Kumasi: Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has pledged to support the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in the region to promote the cultural heritage of the people. He emphasized the importance of culture and traditions in providing a unique identity and their role in the country’s development agenda. This commitment was made during the fourth day of the ongoing Ashanti Festival at the Kumasi Cultural Centre.

According to Ghana News Agency, the fourth day of the festival featured cultural dances, drama, poetry recitals, and choral music from schools and groups in the morning. The afternoon saw a food bazaar, while the evening was marked by Jama performances from various groups. The event attracted participation from over ten senior high and basic schools, as well as security personnel from the Ghana Prisons Service, the Ghana Ambulance Service, and the Ghana Police Service.

The Ashanti Regional Education Director, Nana Ama McBrown, Joseph Osei, also known as Wayoosi, and other Kumawood movie stars were in attendance. Dr Amoakohene announced plans to connect the region’s designers’ association with Kumawood to design costumes for movie characters. He expressed satisfaction with the festival’s turnout and performances, highlighting its potential to unite all sectors of the economy for regional and national development.

Mr Emmanuel J.P Mensah, Head of the Performing Arts Department of the Ashanti Regional CNC, noted that the festival served as a significant platform to unearth talents and promote arts and culture. He praised the students’ artistic abilities but suggested improvements in costume, diction, and stagecraft to enhance their performances. Mr Mensah expressed hope for increased support and sponsorship to ensure the festival’s sustainability, recognizing its potential as a major boost for the tourism and hospitality sectors.