Government to support cultural activities

Bolgatanga, Nov.16, GNA - Mr. Alex Asum-Ahensah, Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, said government was committed to supporting activities that would assist to safeguard and improve the country's cultural heritage.

The Minister, who was speaking a day's conference, organised for directors and accountants of the Center for National Culture (CNC) in Bolgatanga, noted that the development of the country depended much on its cultural values.

He said the Ministry with support from a German Development Organization and stakeholders had initiated a five-year strategic development plan to assist government to clearly focus on the sector.

Mr. Asum-Ahensah said that government had planned to complete all regional theatre buildings which were started under the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

He said the Ministry in collaboration with the French Embassy and United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other stakeholders was planning a musical festival to be dubbed: "High Vibes Festival", which might be made an annual event to coincide with the cultural awareness month every November.

Mr. Asum-Ahensa advised the participants to ensure that funds released by government were utilized in accordance with the financial administration law and also develop strategies to generate revenue locally.

He asked the directors and accountants not to consider themselves as only administrators but officials that could formulate effective policies that could be legislated to help improve the culture of the county.

Mr. Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, advised workers of Centre to be circumspect in the discharge of their duties because they dealt with diverse and sensitive cultural issues.

Mr. William Addo, Dean of Directors of CNC, noted that the development of a nation depended on its human resource and asked government to motivate the workers.

He also appealed to stakeholders to redirect the future of the country through the authentic Ghanaian culture.