The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has revealed that his office is actively engaging traditional authorities across the region to prioritize indigenous customs and cultural practices in upcoming festivals.
Speaking during a Twitter Space hosted by Berry Pulse Media Inc. on Sunday, May 12, 2025, the Minister emphasized the importance of reconnecting the youth and the general public with the region’s rich traditional heritage. According to him, while funfairs and modern entertainment have taken centre stage in many festivals, it is crucial to restore the cultural essence of these celebrations.
In recent times, many festivals across the Central Region have seen a surge in modern fun-filled activities, often overshadowing their traditional essence. Among the most prominent are the widely celebrated Orange Friday of the Oguaa Fetu Afahyɛ and the Lemon Green Friday of Mankessim’s Akwambɔ Festival, along with other colourful float-themed days. These events, known for their music, street carnivals, fashion, and youthful vibrancy, have become the highlight for many young people. However, this growing emphasis on entertainment has gradually shifted attention away from the core traditional practices and cultural significance that the festivals were originally meant to preserve and promote.
Speaking on the space, this is what Hon. Eduamoah stated:
“We are in talks with the chiefs to ensure that our festivals begin to reflect more of our traditions than just funfairs”. “This is important so that the youth and those who are not well-versed in our customs can learn, appreciate, and uphold them than focusing more on funfairs of the festivals.”
The Minister’s comments come at a time when concerns are growing over the erosion of cultural values among the younger generation, especially in the wake of globalization and the dominance of western entertainment.
Festival organizers and traditional leaders are expected to collaborate with the Regional Coordinating Council to implement this cultural shift in upcoming events across the Central Region.
The initiative has been welcomed by cultural advocates who believe it will revive interest in storytelling, drumming and dancing, rites of passage, and other traditional displays that define the identity of the Central Region.
Berry Pulse Media Inc.’s Sunday discussion was part of an ongoing series aimed at exploring culture, governance, and youth development across Ghana. The spcace, which drew hundreds of netizens, particularly people of the Central Region, both home and abroad was very educative and lively as several other issues of the region were discussed and people got to ask the Honourable Minister some questions.
The Central Region stands out as the hub of festivals in Ghana, boasting a rich calendar of cultural celebrations that reflect the heritage and diversity of its people. Among the region’s most iconic festivals are the Oguaa Fetu Afahyɛ, Edina Bakatue, Akwambɔ, Okyir, Ɔdambea, Aboakyer, and the vibrant Masquerade Festival, among others.
Editor: Ama Gyesiwaa Quansah
