The 2024 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) was officially launched today, August 6, at the African Continental Free Trade Area in Accra setting the stage for a spectacular showcase of Ghanaian culture.
The event, attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Kwasi Adu Gyan, and Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong marked the beginning of the countdown to the festival.
Scheduled to take place from October 25 to 31 in Techiman, Bono East Region, NAFAC 2024 promises to be a vibrant celebration of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. The festival aims to promote regional cultural peculiarities, providing a platform for artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents.
In his address, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong emphasized NAFAC’s vital role in promoting Ghana as a safe and attractive destination for tourists, thereby boosting the nation’s tourism sector and foreign earnings. He highlighted this year’s theme, “Beyond NAFAC at 60: Harnessing Culture, the Pivot for Ghana’s Democracy and Sustainable Development,” noting its significance in leveraging culture to advance national development.
Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey called for a shift in focus at cultural events, from tangible aspects like dance and music to intangible ones, particularly behavior. He argued that addressing behavioral issues like corruption is crucial for Ghana’s progress and can attract greater private-sector investment.
The Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Kwasi Adu Gyan, welcomed the festival’s relocation to his region, emphasizing the potential benefits it could bring in terms of cultural exchange and economic development.
The National Planning Committee, comprising 21 members, was inaugurated to oversee the organization and execution of NAFAC 2024.
Committee members include:
- 1. Gilbert Kati Gina
- 2. Nana Kwame Baffoe IV
- 3. Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong (Chairperson)
- 4. Divine K. Owusu Ansah
- 5. Edwina Aswan
- 6. Benjamin Kwame Tawiah
- 7. Kofi Atta Kakar Kusi
- 8. Kingsley Giru Saa
- 9. Mrs. Alice Alina Kala
- 10. Mrs. Harriet Kumi-Boateng Boateng
- 11. Dr. Fio Commey Richardson
- 12. Akorfa Christian Eshun
- 13. Elsie Tagoe
- 14. Lawrence Kwaku Agyeman
- 15. David Anokye
- 16. Dr. Barimah Asumadu Sakai
- 17. Yaa Adolfo Konami
- 18. Divine Y. Ayidzoe
- 19. Abu Osuman
- 20. Mrs. Rosemond Amuzu
- 21. Simmons Y. Kewura
NAFAC, celebrated biennially in various regions across Ghana, is a vibrant showcase of the country’s diverse cultural heritage. This year’s event in Bono East will feature cultural displays from all 16 regions, with the participation of regional ministers and paramount chiefs adding to the festival’s grandeur.
The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, promoting Ghana’s rich cultural diversity, unity, and sustainable development.
Source: kofitutunews.com
