Wa, Aug 14, GNA - The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture has submitted a Memorandum of Understanding under a certificate of urgency to Cabinet for funds to be provided for the execution of all uncompleted Center for National Culture (CNC) projects through out the country.
Additionally, a five-year strategic plan that seeks to eliminate all impediments to the development and growth of cultural centres, was being finalized for implementation next year.
Mr. Alex Asum-Ahensah, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, announced these when he opened a four-day conference of Directors and Accountants of CNC, on the theme: "Culture as a Tool for Promoting National Integration and Wealth", in Wa on Friday.
The participants were expected to take stock of their activities since the last conference in Bolgatanga and share best practices and ideas in the promotion of the country's culture.
Mr. Asum-Ahensah appealed to CNC staff to work assiduously towards national integration and wealth creation, and expressed the hope that the smooth implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure would address all salary disparities within the Public sector.
Alhaji Issahaku Salia, Upper West Regional Minister, said that though culture was dynamic, care should be taken to ensure that undesirable cultural practices did not dislodge positive diverse cultures, which promote peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic groups in the country.
"If we take advantage of the current conducive condition our diverse culture provides for integration and for tourism promotion, we shall generate wealth for the people and for national development".
Alhaji Salia called for the successful celebration of the National Festival of Arts and Culture and school cultural festivals to promote the country's cultural heritage.
Mr. William Addo, Dean of the Association of CNC Directors, called for effective plans and resources for the manning of theatre facilities in the country.
He said that the situation where the National Commission on Culture and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture as supervisory authorities did not seem to have clear cut rules and responsibilities in dealing with the CNC, could result in confusion and impede development.
Mr. Mark Dagbee, Upper West Regional Director of CNC, said a research into water bodies across in six districts in the Region by the Centre, revealed the existence of indigenous knowledge that could be harnessed to protect the water bodies and the ecosystems.
He said that lack of service allocation in budgets of the centres affected research and documentation.
