Ghanaians urged to preserve their culture

Lolobi (V/R), May 10, GNA- Mr William Addo, Volta Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) on Wednesday called for cultural resurgence to stimulate national cohesion and uniqueness of Ghanaians with a common destiny.

He said anything short of this would be like selling our collective birthrights for foreign cultures with its negative socio-cultural effects.

Mr Addo was addressing the maiden Hohoe District Zone 'A' grouping of drumming troupes dubbed "Peace Concert" at Lolobi in the Hohoe district to select groups to represent the region at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC 2007) slated for Kumasi in November. Besides, it is also a platform to affiliate the troupes and artistes to the CNC to enable them to benefit from the varied developmental programmes and a voice to fight for their rights.

He said cultural renaissance was redefining the political and economic landscape of China, India, United States of America and Europe, and Ghana could no longer wait to promote and preserve the dynamics and the uniqueness of the Ghanaian culture.

Mr Addo said the anticipated economic growth of the country could be threatened if efforts were not made to sustain the cultural heritage bequeathed to the nation. He advised groups in the arts and music industry to collaborate and have a united front. Mr Kwami Avega-Kamabla, Presiding Member of the Hohoe District Assembly said cultural displays should not be limited by drumming and dancing alone but should be made to permeate all the social activities at the household levels.

He said the diverse culture bequeathed the country epitomizes peace, unity, identity, conflict resolution, worship and food, stressing that its adulteration with western stereotype lifestyles would only erode the revered values and dignity of Ghanaians. Mr Avega-Kamabla called for a safe interplay between religion and culture to avoid unwarranted distortions, which usually become volatile, veering into bloodbath and to conflicts.

He urged the Ghanaian public to pay attention to the lyrics of traditional music, as it was a databank and food for thought, which should not be glossed over or wished away just for the beats. Mr Frikson B. Avokey, Hohoe District Cultural Officer appealed to District Assemblies to offer scholarships to pupils and students who play active part in the culture and the arts.

Have Unity '2' Band and Have Miawoewoanyo Cultural Group emerged first and second respectively with Lolobi Milenovisi Cultural troupe placing third in a competition of seven groups. They all received certificates of participation.