Minister calls for unity through culture

Accra, Dec. 18, GNA - Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, has called for the use of the arts and culture as tools to forge peace and unity among societies in Ghana and in the West Africa Sub-region.

He noted that in the recent past the Sub-Region had seen much ethnic division, rivalry, wars and carnage and most of these had arisen because some of compatriots were brought up in societies that had no respect for and did not recognise the existence of their neighbours. Mr Boafo, who was opening the KIDDAFEST 2006 on Friday, under the theme 'Shaping Tomorrow through the Arts,' said the Ministry was presenting a strong advocacy to place culture as the basis of all policies on education.

KIDDAFEST 2006, which is an educative and entertainment programme organised by the National Theatre of Ghana, is aimed at aiding children to exhibit their talents and leadership skills through the arts to engender unity and national development.

The programme would feature a mock parliament, exhibition of art works, music and dance, poetry, toy and language competition as well as Mr and Ms. KIDDAFEST.

Mr Boafo challenged the children to discuss child-centred challenges and other youth related problems.

He also cautioned them against the effect of cyber crimes and other social vices such as drug abuse and violence. He stated that as the internet had replaced most traditional modes of orientation; education and communication, care must be taken to ensure that the internet also projected positive values to ensure positive self-reliance and restore Ghana's self esteem.

"Through your interactions as creative artists and performers, we hope that you will propose solutions to the challenges that confront and divide us as a people," he said.

Mr Boafo called on parents as well as societies to inculcate high moral standards in children so that the youth would become proud of their cultural heritage and pledged the support of the Ministry to the development and promotion of Ghana's cultural values.

Papa Owusu Ankomah, Education, Science and Sports Minister, called on the public to support the National Theatre of Ghana to come out with innovative cultural programmes to preserve Ghana's culture through history, story-telling and training in various cultural performances.

He challenged those in the artistic industry to exhibit much excellence during the forthcoming celebrations to commemorate Ghana's 50th Independence anniversary.