The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, in partnership with the National Folklore Board (NFB), has officially launched the “By the Fire Side” Storytelling Series under the theme “Memories of Tales.” This initiative aims to preserve Ghana’s rich oral traditions, strengthen cultural identity, and bridge generational divides in an era shaped by rapid technological advancement.
Held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the NFB premises in Accra, the vibrant launch event brought together traditional leaders, educators, creatives, and policymakers to honour Ghana’s storytelling legacy. In a keynote address read on her behalf, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, described storytelling as Ghana’s “living library.”
“For generations, storytelling was how our ancestors shared knowledge, shaped character, and nurtured identity,” she said. “Around a glowing fire, we learned courage and empathy, met heroes and tricksters, and explored the values of consequence and compassion.” The Minister also recalled her own early involvement as a scriptwriter and producer of the original By the Fire Side television programme.
She expressed concern about the growing disconnection between young people and Ghanaian cultural practices, blaming rapid societal changes. “Many of our youth no longer engage with our traditions. Some even question their relevance,” she said, stressing the importance of cultural reclamation.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, Executive Director of the NFB, emphasized storytelling’s educational significance. “It is the oldest and most natural form of teaching. Through stories, children learn about themselves, the world, and how to relate to others. It builds cognitive and literacy skills while teaching patience, listening, and empathy,” she noted.
Scheduled to run on the second Friday of every month beginning August 2025, the series will highlight the depth of Ghana’s regional storytelling traditions—from Ananse tales in the south to Dagbani and Ga narratives in the north. The programme is part of the broader Black Star Experience cultural tourism initiative, originally launched by former President John Dramani Mahama.
Beyond entertainment, By the Fire Side aims to reinforce values like respect, unity, and moral reasoning, while also enhancing language development among the youth. Additionally, the series will position Ghana’s cultural heritage as a valuable tourism asset and inspire creative professionals to craft globally appealing, locally rooted content.
In a powerful call to action, the Minister urged stakeholders across sectors to get involved. She encouraged teachers to “bring the fire to classrooms,” traditional authorities to nurture emerging storytellers, creative professionals to adapt tales into new media, and corporate Ghana to fund outreach initiatives.
Quoting an Akan proverb, she concluded, “Nsubɛto gyam’ a, efiri ne mu”—when water quenches fire, it comes from within. “The strength we need is already among us.”
The launch event featured lively cultural performances, interactive storytelling by renowned Fante and Ga custodians such as Nana Aba Amissah I and Nana Assase, and displays of traditional arts. The NFB also announced plans to systematically document indigenous stories across the country, building on recent milestones such as UNESCO’s recognition of Kente weaving as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
To ensure wide participation, the By the Fire Side series will rotate among the NFB headquarters, selected schools, and regional venues, offering Ghanaians across the country a chance to reconnect with their cultural roots.