The Centre for National Culture in the Upper East Region is urging traditional councils to establish festivals as a means of promoting and preserving local culture. The festivals would serve as a platform for showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, while also providing an opportunity to educate young people on their unique identities and histories.
Through these festivals, the centre hopes to foster a sense of pride and belonging among the local community, while also promoting tourism and economic growth. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the region’s cultural and social landscape, with potential benefits for years to come.
Speaking to A1 Radio’s Mark Smith on the Day Break Upper East Show, The Upper East Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture, Pamphilio Kuubesingn, said we have long forgotten native culture.
On Monday, April 17, 2023, the media outfit’s flagship programme, the Day Break Upper East Show, had a conversation dubbed, “Preserving Upper East Regional Culture: What We Need to Know.” The programme empanelled Wisdom Ahadzie, the Upper East Regional Director of the Tourism Authority, Pamphilio Kuubesingn, the Upper East Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture; and Prisca Naambome Yenzie, the Upper East Regional Director of the Museum.
“I would put it on record that every traditional council should endeavour to have a festival. It teaches the youth the aspects of our culture that we have. It also brings in people; own brothers and sisters outside home, to come back to learn, reunite, and help support developmental projects.”
“Even other people outside the country, when they come in and they see the need to develop other aspects of the culture, they take it up. Together with the local people, they are able to develop those communities. Sometimes, we sit down. A whole traditional council will sit down, [there will be] no festival. How do you relate to your people? Is it only at funerals?” he asked.
Mr. Kuubesingn, also indicated that one of the practical ways indigenous culture can be preserved is through the collective efforts of stakeholders and policy implementers.
Mr. Kuubesingn opined that attitudes and behaviours among educated natives, stakeholders, and industrial players ought to be redirected and rethought toward preserving and harnessing the culture in the region.
“For instance, if we all agreed that certain practices ought to be taken away, then why can’t we do the same and promote and harness the good ones that will and can speak for us and our yet unborn generation? That is why I’m always talking to the chiefs and relevant stakeholders to see how we can redefine who we are and preserve and improve the culture we have.”
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
