The Centre for National Culture (CNC) has organised the Accra Regional Festival of Arts and Culture (REFAC) with a call on stakeholders to work towards safeguarding the cultural assets of the country.
It was on theme: “Beyond NAFAC at 60: Harnessing Culture, the Pivot for Ghana’s Democracy and Sustainable Development,” and was sponsored by Metro Gold Group of Companies and Asor Body Works.
The event was a prelude to the 62nd anniversary celebration of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) to be held in October this year at Techiman in the Bono East Regional capital.
The NAFAC is aimed at providing the platform for mobilizing stakeholders in the arts and cultural industry to interact, showcase talents and creativity and project the values of the country’s heritage as well as develop the spirit of national identity and pride.
Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, the Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, who made the call urged the stakeholders to ensure that our culture was not relegated to festivals alone but becomes a vital part of our daily lives and national development.
He said REFAC was not just a showcase of performances but a celebration of the country’s values, history and the identity of Ghanaians, adding that; “it is a moment of reflection on the contributions of our culture to the development of our democracy and the advancement of our society.”
“As we look forward towards NAFAC’s 62nd anniversary, we must seize the opportunity to focus on how our cultural practices can foster national unity, social cohesion and sustainable development as we prepare for December 7 elections,” Nana Owoahene Acheampong stated.
He noted that festivals such as NAFAC are not just platforms for entertainment and that they serve as springboards for nurturing talents, promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities.
“One of the beautiful features that Greater Accra offers is the diversity of its people in a harmonious blend of ethnic groups, languages and traditions all co-existing peacefully,” the Executive Director stated, adding; “This festival is a powerful symbol of that unity in diversity.”
Mr, Eric Ohene-Larbi, the Greater Accra Regional Director of CNC in a welcoming address urged artists, policy makers and educators to take up the mantle of responsibility in promoting culture as a cornerstone of democracy and sustainable development of the country.
“Let us collaborate across sectors to create initiatives that elevate our cultural assets while addressing contemporary challenges,” he said.
Mr. Ohene-Larbi stressed that sustainable development could be achieved without recognizing the importance of cultural heritage, adding that our traditions hold valuable knowledge about sustainable practices that have been passed down through generations.
The creative sector, he said, has immense potential to generate jobs and stimulate local economies, and that investing in cultural industries could drive economic growth.
The Regional Director said REFAC and NAFAC have been more than just celebrations, and that they have served as platforms for dialogue, creativity and unity among diverse communities across Ghana.
Madam Georgina Opoku, the Cultural Ambassador of Ghana and Chief Executive Officer of Asor Body Works advised Ghanaians to deepen their culture by taking pride in eating their local foods and drinks, wearing their traditional dresses and speaking the native language at home.
She said: “Placing value on these foods would boost our health and consolidate the bonds of our cultural heritage.”
Nii Kwabena Bonne V, Osu Alata Mantse and Chairman for the occasion in a closing remark emphasized the need for Ghanaians to go back and trace their cultural roots to deepen their bonds of unity as a society such as their languages and traditional wears.
He urged all ethnic groups to take pride in their orientation, adding that; “We must highlight the cultural component of all we do as a society”.
As part of the event, there was an exhibition of arts and crafts from all 29 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in the Greater Accra showcasing the region’s cultural creativity.
The festival also featured regional beauty pageants contest, with the winner and first-runner-up, Ga East and Ga North to represent the region at the NAFAC.
The event displayed rich traditional drumming and dancing from cultural performers of various ethnic groups and a focus on Ga cultural roots.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly emerged winners of the cultural performances followed by Weija- Gbawe Municipal Assembly.
The winners in the competitions from various assemblies were presented with certificates and they would represent the Greater Accra Region at the NAFAC.
