Akunu Dake Calls for Greater Promotion of Ghana’s Indigenous Arts and Culture

Accra: Mr Akunu Dake, a Development Consultant and Cultural Icon, has reiterated the importance of promoting Ghana's indigenous arts and culture for national development. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, he acknowledged the progress made in the Ghanaian creative sector but said the country could do more to compete in the global market rather than remain a consumer of foreign culture. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dake emphasized the need for Ghana to pay more attention to cultural development and its role in informing national progress. He argued that culture should not be narrowly viewed as just artefacts, music, or dance, but as a comprehensive element that includes languages, music, dance, value systems, traditional health methods, and food, which could be leveraged for job creation and economic growth. Mr Dake, 67, has been a pivotal figure in Ghana's cultural landscape for over four decades. He was the first Executive Director of the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST), w hich began in 1992. The festival aimed at bringing together Africans on the continent and the diaspora to celebrate Pan-Africanism and cultural unity. Reflecting on his experiences coordinating the first three editions of PANAFEST, he highlighted how cultural events could boost domestic tourism and generate revenue. He recounted that PANAFEST 1992 was a significant event, not only in terms of performances but also intellectual exchanges, bringing together performers, intellectuals, and visual artists. Despite being young at the time, Mr Dake and his team managed to deliver the project, overcoming various challenges, and creating a memorable experience for attendees. In his role as Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Development, an event management consultancy, Mr Dake has continued to advocate for using arts, culture, tourism, and other indigenous resources to address the fundamental needs of citizens, while urging leaders to project Ghanaian values. Born John Darkey, Mr Dake changed his name in his early twenties to align with his Pan-African values, reflecting his commitment to indigenous identity. He also stopped wearing Western-style suits and ties, opting instead for traditional Ghanaian attire to better represent his heritage. Mr Dake's educational background includes attending Okuapeman Secondary School, the University of Ghana for English and Theatre, and obtaining a Master of Philosophy in African Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon. He is also a Fellow of the Salzburg Seminar in Austria and serves as a patron of the Ghana Culture Forum. Throughout his career, Mr Dake has held various significant roles, including Acting Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Director of Programmes of the National Commission on Culture. He has contributed to numerous international and national cultural events, including serving as an Event Management Consultant for the Africa-Liberation Week Celebration, and the Commonwealth People's Festival, among others. Mr Dake is writing his memoirs as part of his legacy, while he continues to engage in cultural projects selectively. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys walking, biking, and playing tennis. He is married to Afua Dake, a retired headmistress.