Nkoranza (B/A) July 17, GNA - Nana Fosu Gyeabour 11, Odikro of Breman near Nkoranza in Brong Ahafo Region, has urged family heads to promote and educate the public about the importance of traditional norms to enhance respect for indigenous values.

Nana Fosu made the call at the cultural festival of basic schools in Nkoranza and Bonsu circuits at Koforidua at the week end.

He expressed regret about the interest the youth accord to foreign cultures, saying it is about time traditional authorities encourage them to value their cultural heritage.

"It is just unfortunate that a number of our people wear cloth and put on shoes instead of local sandals (Ahenema) and such improper dressing affects our culture," he observed.

Nana Fosu noted that some of the means of boosting interest in the Ghanaian way of life is to revisit story telling, riddles and proverbs in schools and homes.

He deplored the practice by especially women to bleach their bodies to look their whites, saying: "God knew why he created people with different colours and at different environment and we (Africans) should be proud of our black colour."

Mr Owusu Bright, circuit supervisor in-charge of Bonsu circuit advised the youth to learn the history of their families and respect the norms of their communities in order to maintain them for posterity.

Mr James Appiah, Nkoranza South District Cultural Officer, called on teachers to pay attention to cultural studies so that students could improve their talents and skills in arts and craft.

He deplored the notion by especially some religious bodies that the Ghanaian culture is fetish or idol-worshipping and "we should not allow foreign culture to supersede our own culture, since God's creation is unique", he said.