Mercy’s reflection of how Ghana could emulate Tunisia.
Tunisia unlike Ghana has various cultures and this is the driving force in our nation. On the other hand, Ghana has strong grounding is in our cultural heritage; however do not preserve its culture. It is rather ironic that some countries who have no real roots or culture to boost of.
A classic is for example, our colourful Kente cloth and its complex patterns, woodcarving, ceramics, and metallurgy. How far do we market and project ourselves internationally. Men mainly do these areas. In contrast crafts pottery making is mainly a female activity. The Ewé have well over 600 deities to turn to in times of need. Many village celebrations and ceremonies take place in honour of one or more deities. Their Kente weaving is also different in that they weave kente cloth, and their more geometrical patterns contain symbolic designs handed down through the ages.
Ghana is a country that really celebrates festivals every month. There are also several rites and rituals that are performed throughout the year in various parts of the country. These cover the right of passage childbirth, puberty, marriage and death. These experiences are all unique in African countries and such celebrations provide all that is satisfying to their communities and families.
Festivals are very thrilling and mimic the micro-activities in a project. There is a surge of adrenalin flowing and the race to get things done in perfection among people. . Particularly, during the durbars of chiefs, when tribal leaders and Queen Mothers process in decorated palanquins, shaded by the traditional umbrellas, and supported by drummers and warriors discharging ancient muskets. All these not only unite communities but also display show the power of who is in authority of enabling and controlling activities within a given community.
The “Panafest”
A new festival currently held very summer. It is celebrates Ghanaian roots and all who truly belong to this homeland attended. Mainly African – American brave to come back to their ancestral home. It is a time for forgiveness and loving each other. Thanksgiving or Homowo festival The word "Homowo" translated as 'making fun of hunger.' This is a traditional oral history describes a time long ago when the rains stopped and the sea closed its gates. A deadly famine spread throughout the southern Accra Plains, the home of the Ga people. When the harvest finally arrived and food became plentiful, the people were so happy that they celebrated with a festival that ridiculed hunger.
Ghana has so much to share with the world. All these worth of knowledge in abundance and rich culture history is not marketed and promoted in all the countries in our numerous embassies across the oceans. We could have had museum in every country or at our Embassies to generate some funds and encourage people to visit Ghana or learn through our museums in their own country.
The Ghanaian music
There is a variety of music in Ghana from the traditional music from the North, West, East and South and highlife, which is a bundle of all sort of music from plus gospel music. Various clans and tribes and districts all have their unique dancing traditions.
These are all regrettably under estimated by many of us and instead we drift aimlessly on the vast cultural oceans of the world. Italy is better organised in this area than we do. There are many Ghanaian who never got the opportunity to perfect them. Ghana needs some one like Andrew Lord Webber, or a team who could not only capture, nurturing and empowering talented individuals but also give them the opportunity to explore their horizon for excellence. Another virgin area which we have not explored is something like the” X factor” TV show on our screens in Ghana in order to motivate our young talents musicians to test their potential.
It seems Tunisia and Egypt has worked there remarkably well to attract tourist with the tourist using of the rich nations not needing any visa to short trips. These countries are keeping their histories still s as fresh as possible. However culture is a valuable source of creating and regeneration wealth. As we travel and learn from other countries we should adopt and adapt as events around us change. It is about evolution and unbroken identity. Ghana must now be aware of the enormous resources from the developed countries and their quest to learn about other cultures.
Perhaps President elect Prof Atta Mill’s Government, would consider investing heavily into our own cultural sphere with an increase in Budgetary allocation for Cultural exhibitions, museums and institutions, cinemas, literature, theatre, and poetry.
This strategy would stimulate our markets as well as generate jobs; raise self-esteem and self worth as well as confidence in the entire country. It would be a 50-50 win win for everyone.
Our cultural heritage must be the pride and joy of Ghana and we must continue to improve in these areas across the oceans. Ghana must never take their eyes off the ball the vital importance of culture in the grand schemes of things. Let’s embrace any change in the microenvironment and the macro-environment that is occurring and cement our relationships with the European Union and beyond.
