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In a bold step to safeguard Ghana’s rich oral traditions and cultural identity, the National Folklore Board (NFB) has relaunched the iconic “By the Fireside” storytelling series, a monthly event aimed at reviving indigenous storytelling practices and strengthening intergenerational cultural bonds.
The series, officially launched at the NFB office in Cantonments, Accra, will be held on the second Friday of every month, showcasing tales from all regions of Ghana, told in various local languages to reflect the country’s vast cultural and linguistic diversity.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Madam Dzifa Ablah Gomashie, the ministry emphasised the power of storytelling as both a moral compass and a cultural archive.
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“We cannot allow a very important intangible cultural heritage to go down, as it serves in safeguarding our society’s identity, fostering social cohesion, and promoting economic growth,” she stated.
Madam Gomashie added that the initiative will serve as a platform for children and youth to learn about Ghana’s values, ancestral wisdom, and the traditional knowledge systems embedded in tales like the famous Ananse stories and other oral histories.
“From Ananse stories in the South to epic histories from the Savannah, from Ewe, Dagbani, and Ga oral traditions to the symbolism of Kente and Adinkra, we are showcasing the depth and breadth of Ghanaian creativity,” she noted.
The revival also forms part of the government’s “Black Star Experience,” a flagship program introduced by President John Mahama to harness culture and heritage as catalysts for tourism and national pride.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, Executive Director of the NFB, highlighted the Board’s legal mandate under the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), to protect and promote expressions of folklore and intangible cultural heritage.
“Since our establishment, we have organised various activities to disseminate information on folklore and assisted in the administration and monitoring of its use,” Mrs. Deh-Kumah explained.
The Board has championed initiatives such as World Folklore Day celebrations, Folklore Fun Day, and the formation of folklore clubs in basic schools, all designed to make cultural education engaging and accessible for younger generations.
She urged parents and the wider public to embrace By the Fire Side as more than just entertainment—describing it as a cultural intervention to bridge generational gaps and rekindle Ghanaian values.
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