Project the country's culture-Jake

Shama (W/R) Nov.13,-GNA -Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City, on Saturday said the best of music and dancing of the country's ethnic groups should be portrayed at cultural festivals.

He was speaking at the Nye-Eyi/Prah Festival of the Chiefs and People of Shama Traditional Area at Shama.

Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey said showcasing the country's rich culture would help preserve what has been handed down by ancestors. He said cultural festivals should not be loaded with speeches but must be dominated by music and dancing.

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey said culture makes Ghanaians what they are and must be preserved for future generations.

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey said the people must have unity of purpose in order to preserve good future for the next generation.

He spoke of the dangers of HIV/AIDS to today's youth and the future generation and asked the youth to protect themselves from the disease through abstinence and being faithfully to their partners. Mrs. Angelina Baiden-Amissah, Member of Parliament for Shama and Deputy Minister of Education and Sports said enrolment in basic schools has increase by 35 percent following the introduction of free education. She said as a result of the increase, some schools are running the shift system and competent pupil and retired teachers have been recruited to assist with the workload in schools.

Mrs Baiden-Amissah said intake into teacher training colleges has been increased this year and the government has allocated funds to the district assemblies to construct more schools. She used the occasion to advise fishermen in the area against using aggravated lighting for fishing.

Mrs Baiden-Amissah said the government has banned the use of the device for fishing and the ban would be enforced in the area to protect fish stock.

Nana Kweku Binnah 111, Omanhene of Shama Traditional Area expressed concern about the progress of work on the Shama Clinic. He commended the government for introducing the National Health Insurance Scheme and for undertaking projects in the area. Among those present were Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister and Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive.