The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) officially launched the 2024 edition on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the African Continental Free Trade Area in Accra, with festivities to follow in Techiman.
The theme for this year’s festival is “Beyond NAFAC @60: Harnessing Culture, the Pivot for Ghana’s Democracy and Sustainable Development,” with the festivities to take place in Techiman, Bono East Regional capital, from Oct 25 through to Oct 31, 2024.
The launch ceremony, presided over by Nana Baffoe IV, Paramount Chief of the Nkoranza Traditional Area, saw in attendance distinguished personalities comprising Juliette Babb-Riley, High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, traditional leaders, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Kwasi Adu Gyan and directors of the Centre for National Culture from across the country.
In his address, the Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture and Arts, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, urged the public to champion peace and stability during and after the upcoming general elections.
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“As the nation prepares for the December general elections, it is important that we promote unity and peace before, during and after the elections. Our culture holds the key to ensuring unity and peaceful co-existence and NAFAC 2024 will definitely be the catalyst for achieving this goal,” he said.
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He went on to underline NAFAC’s significance in showcasing Ghana as a secure and attractive destination for tourists, which in turn, is expected to enhance the country’s tourism industry.
“NAFAC has projected our country as the most safe, reliable, and conducive destination for tourists and leisure seekers, thereby helping to boost tourism and increase foreign earnings for our country.
Speaking on the theme for the festival, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong also stated that Ghanaian culture and heritage are key to shaping governance, democracy, and sustainable growth, and hold the power to drive development and empowerment.
The festival’s relocation to Bono East was welcomed by Hon. Kwasi Adu Gyan, Regional Minister for Bono East, who highlighted the potential benefits for both cultural exchange and economic development.
“This festival not only highlights the diversity and vibrancy of the Ghanaian culture but also serves as a converging point of ideas and collaborations that drive progress and unity in our dear country. Ladies and gentlemen, as we prepare to host this prestigious festival in the Bono East Region, we are reminded of the immense responsibility and opportunity it presents to us as a people and as a region,” Hon. Kwasi Adu Gyan said.
Deputy Minister Mark Okraku-Mantey urged the National Planning Committee to shift the focus of NAFAC beyond tangible cultural aspects like food and fashion, to also emphasise intangible elements, such as promoting positive behavioural changes.
“We don’t consume what we have, our belief in Ghana is behavioural, we forget that the whole conversation about corruption is behavioural. The root of our culture is our behaviour because it is actually our behaviour that informs our culture,” he said.
The 7-day event will feature an array of activities, including a grand durbar of the chiefs, master classes, conferences, musical concerts, Mr. and Ms. NAFAC, cultural competitions, traditional games, arts and crafts exhibitions, as well as youth day international friendship night, among other engaging events.
