Accra: Cultural heritage remains a cornerstone for understanding the past, shaping the present, and guiding the future. This includes tangible, intangible, and natural heritage, each playing a role in maintaining a sense of identity and belonging within communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, indigenous cultural practices, inherited through generations, form an integral part of nature, spirituality, and community life. These are not just old habits, but essential traditions that help keep society on track. Forests, considered part of indigenous natural heritage, often hold sacred resources connecting nature and humans, and are protected by cultural practices. For example, some communities only allow entry for ritual purposes, aiding in the preservation of plant and animal species.
In Ghana, cultural laws formalize practices such as 'No Hunting' during breeding seasons and 'No Fishing' days in coastal communities to protect and preserve wildlife. Traditional bone setting, a sought-after treatment when orthodox medicine is ineffective, remains prevalent. Folklore games like 'Ampe' and 'Oware' also play a significant role in socialization and skill development.
Storytelling, though neglected, is another tool for cultural preservation, community building, and moral instruction. However, modernity and technological advancements have led many communities to drift away from these practices, causing younger generations to lose touch with their cultural heritage.
The National Folklore Board in Ghana works to protect and promote cultural heritage, enlisting traditional cloth 'Kente' and Highlife Music and Dance on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage platform, and progressing with the inclusion of the 'Fugu' gown. The Board also raises awareness about the commercial use of folklore elements like 'Adinkra' symbols and enforces royalty payments through legislative support.
On World Folklore Day 2026, it is crucial for communities to refocus on cultural preservation for social cohesion. Governments worldwide are encouraged to enact laws preserving cultural practices and invest in developing them to align with modern technologies. By safeguarding cultural heritage, communities can shape future generations, drive economic growth, and ensure lessons from the past endure.
By Isaac Ametepe, Public Relations Unit, National Folklore Board