The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa, has urged Ghanaians to promote the rich cultural heritage of the country, for the benefit of the present and future generations.
Cautioning against the adoption of foreign culture as a result of globalisation, he stated thtat culture played an important role in the democratic practices of the country, hence the need to preserve it.
The Regional Minister, who was speaking at the close of a week-long Volta Region Arts and Culture Festival over the weekend, said it was "unfortunate" that some parents preferred speaking English to their children, instead of their local Ghanaian languages.
The event was to promote the diverse cultural heritage in the region.
He advised Ghanaians against indulging in acts that had the tendencies of undermining the culture values of the country, adding that culture identified people and gave uniqueness to the country.
Dr Letsa further noted that culture had gone beyond drumming and dancing as it gave identity to people from various countries, which was unique and relevant to the development of the people, therefore conscious efforts should be made by all to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the country for development.
He emphasised that culture should be seen as the bedrock of the Ghanaian identity and more than just an expression of who the people were, since it was the very fabric that bound the citizens together as one people with a common destiny.
The Minister also indicated that democracy was deeply rooted in the cultural values of respect, inclusiveness, and communal spirit , which had its roots from the traditional system of governance which promoted dialogue, consensus building, and promoted democratic practices.
He added that embracing the cultural heritage and values could promote democracy that responded to the needs of the people, and fostered unity.
The President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs (VRHC), Togbe Tepre Hodo, said time consciousness should be regarded as a crucial part of Ghanaian culture, and cautioned against lateness to functions, which negatively affected development.
Togbe Tepre Hodo, who chaired the programme, was also not happy about the poor attendance and appealed to the government to commit resources to organising such programmes in order to ensure that it fully achieved its intended objectives.
The Volta Regional Director of Centre for National Culture, Mrs Lydia Nyarko, noted that the festival had showcased the creative talents in the 18 municipalities and districts of the region, which could be harnessed for the development of the region.
FROM SAMUEL AGBEWODE,HO