Techiman: Mr Joseph Torbezere Yakubu, the Bono East Regional Marketing Officer of the Center for National Culture (CNC), has called on the government to adequately resource the CNC to promote and preserve the nation's cultural heritage. 'CNC is the legitimate government arm mandated to promote and preserve the country's cultural heritage, yet it has been under-resourced, disallowing it to perform the mandate effectively,' he stated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Yakubu emphasized the need for the government to reassess the current situation of the CNC if the nation intends to preserve its culture and tradition, which reflect the true Ghanaian identity as the nation observes heritage month. Also known as Ghana Month, this period is observed annually between March 1 and March 31 to promote the nation's cultural heritage.
Mr Yakubu pointed out that as a state institution, the CNC requires sufficient funding to effectively showcase cultural heritage. He noted that the rise in moral decadence and lawlessness in second cycle institutions could partly be attributed to the adulteration of the nation's culture. He expressed concern over the influence of foreign cultures on the youth, stressing that culture represents the way of life of the people and more must be done to preserve Ghana's cultural heritage.
Mr Yakubu highlighted the CNC's desire to promote and preserve Ghanaian marriage, dances, food, and dressing through regular cultural activities, which is hindered by a lack of resources. He mentioned that storytelling is a cultural component that promotes discipline and shapes people's minds, improving morality and uprightness. With adequate resources, the CNC could influence the youth positively.
He further stated that if the CNC is well-resourced, it could create platforms encouraging people to wear locally made products and eat locally prepared dishes, thereby generating job opportunities and income. As part of activities to mark Ghana Month, the CNC is collaborating with various traditional councils in the region to organize traditional food exhibitions and traditional talent hunt shows for schoolchildren to showcase their cultural and traditional talents.