The National Folklore Board (NFB) has selected seven schools within the Greater Accra Region to pilot the formation of folklore clubs in schools in Ghana. It is hoped that the establishment of these clubs will begin to reorient the young ones about knowing the Ghanaian folklore ethos and imbibing local traditions and customs that define the different cultures around the country.
At the launch of the club today at the Mary Mother of Good Counsel School in Accra, the Acting Director of the National Folklore Board, Nana Adjoa Adobea Asante said the rationale behind the introduction of the clubs is to use the young ones as conduits to expand knowledge and interest in the Ghanaian folklore.
In an era where technology and taste for foreign things abound, Nana Adjoa believes it is imperative that we revive the national consciousness of local folklore starting with children and youth in order not to lose our history and identity. NFB, she intimated would explore ways by which to incorporate ICT and technology tools with folklore to make it more attractive to the young ones who are ICT savvy.
She added that teachers will be trained to teach members of the individual clubs about Ghanaian folklore while they embark on tours to destinations around the country to help promote domestic tourism. Nana Adjoa therefore appealed to individuals and institutions and corporate Ghana to support her outfit’s efforts.
Present at the launch were the Former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Catherine Afeku, Chairperson for the National Commission for Civic Education, Ms. Josephine Nkrumah, President of the African American Association of Ghana, Gail Nikoi, A Representative the UNESCO Ghana, Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dzifa Gomashie, Director of the Dubois Centre, Youth Tourism Ambassador and TOSOGHA President, Joseph Amartey and a host of other dignitaries.
Officially launching the club, Catherine Afeku expressed her delight at the reinvigoration of folklore among children, since it was very important to our national life. She disclosed that the incoming tourism minister has assured her of giving the National Folklore Board the push and support it deserves to help in their operations.
Folklore is the intellectual and spiritual tradition passed on from the oral tradition from generation to generation around the world. This comprises customs, beliefs, material culture, dramatic art, festivals, music stories, proverbs, poetry recitals, riddles, literary and scientific cultural legacy bequeathed to the world over, which have been celebrated over the years.
The National Folklore Board is the government institution responsible for the registration, administration, promotion and legal protection of Ghanaian expressions of folklore. In line with its mandate to promote local folklore,the Board has instituted a weekly campaign dubbed the “Did You Know Series” which provides information on different aspects of our folklore through the use of innovative infographics.
By: Samuel Obeng Appah
