Culture, a vital tool for life

Takoradi, July 29, GNA - Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the Western Regional Minister, has said cultural education of the youth could be potent if teachers and parents are able to assist them to develop their writing, painting, science as well as technology skills. "Such skills would equip our youth to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Ghanaian culture and promote sustainable development and progress of society" he said.

These were contained in an address read on his behalf at the Ghana Education Service (GES) 11th Basic Schools Inter-District Festival of Arts for schools in the region at Takoradi on Monday. The festival, which brought together first and second cycle schools from all the 17 districts in region, was on the theme "Culture, an epitome of our moral values". The students displayed various forms of dance movements, exciting drum languages, choral and other forms of music as well as variety of vocational skills.

Mr Aidoo said the development of skills of children could be improved if they work hard and apply themselves seriously to their studies. He advised students to avoid copying unhealthy cultural practices that promote unacceptable behaviour such as improper dressing, immoral acts that may results in pre-marital sex among others. Mr Aitoo said in the colonial era, it was a crime to dress or introduce some kinds of drumming or music depicting the local or African culture during church services or official functions.

"Fortunately, in our present circumstances, this negative attitude to the local culture is gone with history and we must all work hard to preserve it and pass it on to future generations," he said. He said there is the need to continue to strive to strengthen the harmony within the country that binds Ghanaians together. Mrs. Rebecca Afiba Dadzie, the Western Regional Director of GES, said under the new educational reform syllabuses, cultural studies had been introduced for students to know more about the Ghanaian culture. "Knowing more about our culture helps to develop the skills of children which is necessary for solving problems in our own way", he said.

Awulae Annor Adjaye, the Paramount Chief of Western Nzema Traditional Area, urged the youth to respect their elders and dress properly and appealed to parents to ensure that their cultural norms and values are passed down to generations yet unborn.