Kintampo - The Wangara Overlord of the Kintampo Traditional Area, (Masaaba) Sariki Yusif Koulibaly Fanyanimah III, has stated that festivals are not only events for exhibiting cultural talents but also occasions that remind us culture is the thread that binds people together.

He made these remarks during a speech delivered on October 2, 2025, at the Kintampo Senior High School Assembly Hall, where he served as the Chairman for the Kintampo North Municipality Inter-Circuit Festival of Creative Arts and Culture. The event was organized by the Ghana Education Service under the theme, "The Role of Arts and Culture in Strengthening Peace and Unity in Ghana."

Nana Fanyanimah III underscored the importance of festivals, noting they are not just events to showcase school pupils' talents in singing, dancing, or proverb challenges, but also a reminder that culture is the theme that binds people together. "It's the way we live, the values we hold dear, and the wisdom that guides us to live in harmony," he noted.



Regarding the disciplines performed during the festival, Masaaba Sariki Fanyanimah III explained that music, poetry, drum language, drama, dance, drawing, fashion, cook art, ampe, and exhibitions speak to who we are as Ghanaians. He stressed that they are not just performances for pupils to participate in, but also serve to teach discipline, cooperation, and identity. "When our children learn to perform together, they also learn to live together in unity and peace," he emphasized.



Furthermore, Nana Fanyanimah III mentioned that in an era where conflicts tear societies apart, culture serves as a watershed, reminding us that regardless of our differences, we share common values—respect, tolerance, and togetherness.

In appreciation, the Kintampo Wangara Overlord commended the Municipal Director of Education, the Municipal Cultural Coordinator Mr. Edward Yamoah, hardworking teachers, and all other stakeholders for making the programme a reality. "With this event, you're not only preserving our heritage but also planting seeds of peace and unity for the future," he acknowledged.

He later donated 1,000 exercise books to be distributed to pupils in the municipality.

From the Ghana Education Service (GES) side, Mr. Alhassan Muhammed, Deputy Director in Charge of Inspectorate and Supervision, shared that six circuits were involved in the competition: Baniantwe, Kunsu, Kadelso, Babatokuma, Asantekwa, Kintampo East, and Kintampo West. According to him, the competition was a selection process to choose the best performers to represent the municipality at the Inter-District Cultural Festival.

Speaking on the theme for the occasion, he stated that without peace, nothing meaningful could be achieved, as its absence hinders growth and development. He applauded the organizers for a job well done, adding that based on the pupils' performances and with proper preparation, "with God on our side, we can emerge victorious in the inter-district competition."

Based on the pupils' displays, Mr. Mohammed stated that the time has come for the government to invest more in the creative industry, which can reduce unemployment and contribute to showcasing Ghanaian culture to the world.