Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, the Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, has called for a national strategy aimed at fostering respect, appreciation, and pride in Ghana’s cultural heritage, particularly among the youth. He emphasized that preserving and promoting the country’s values and culture is essential for addressing key national challenges.
He argued that Ghana’s cultural heritage should not be neglected, as it has proven to be a vital element in driving development through reflection and community unity. “We are not isolated as a nation; we are part of a global community, and events elsewhere can have a direct or indirect impact on us,” Nana Acheampong remarked. “It is important that we remain concerned about global developments, which can affect the peace and unity we currently enjoy.”
Speaking at the opening of the 2024 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) in Techiman, Bono East Region, Nana Acheampong highlighted the festival’s role in fostering national unity and promoting Ghanaian culture to both citizens and the diaspora. This year’s theme, “Beyond NAFAC at 60 – Harnessing Culture, the Pivot for Ghana’s Democracy and Sustainable Development,” aims to spark a national dialogue about the role of culture and heritage in shaping governance and advancing sustainable development in Ghana.
He stressed the importance of culture in achieving sustainable development across all sectors, asserting that it holds significant potential to empower the nation.
The President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Bassa Traditional Area, Nana Owusu Sakyi, expressed gratitude to the government and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for organizing the event, which he believes will expose the region’s cultural heritage to the world and boost tourism. He emphasized that arts and culture are key to understanding the world and urged the government and traditional leaders to treat cultural preservation with the seriousness it deserves.
Nana Owusu Sakyi also noted that Ghana could generate more revenue for national development by investing in the arts and culture sector. He added that industry players have a responsibility to raise awareness and fully harness this potential.
NAFAC, organized biennially by the National Commission on Culture, showcases Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, facilitates stakeholder engagement on cultural issues, and provides market opportunities for cultural enterprises. Founded in 1961 by Dr. A. A. Y. Kyerematen, NAFAC has been a key platform for promoting unity and national cohesion, particularly under the leadership of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Over the years, NAFAC has played a crucial role in job creation, revenue generation, entertainment, and product branding, continuously evolving in both structure and content.