Ghana marked the first-ever international day of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Accra, highlighting the socio-economic benefits of the country’s living heritage.

The event, organized by the National Folklore Board (NFB) with support from UNESCO, brought together cultural custodians, government representatives, and stakeholders to reflect on the theme for the celebration dubbed, ‘The socio-economic benefits of living heritage in Ghana.’

Professor Abdullai Salifu Asuro, Board Chair, NFB, said Ghana’s ICH, was not just as a source of pride, but as a ‘vital aspect of our identity.’

He said Ghana’s cultural legacy, including its ‘customs, oral histories, performing arts, rituals, and the collective wisdom that has been transmitted down the ages,’ played a crucial role in shaping the country’s national identity.

Professor Asuro said Ghanaians have the responsibility to protect these traditions, especially in the face of modernization and globalization, which he acknowledged was a threat to cultural pres
ervation.

‘Globalization and rapid urbanization can dilute traditions, making it imperative that we take active steps to safeguard and revitalize them,’ he said.

Mrs. Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, Executive Director, NFB, said the celebration marked a significant step in the country’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage.

She said as Ghana looked forward to participating in the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee in December, where the country’s nomination of Kente weaving as an ICH element would be considered.

She said the day also served as a call to action for youth engagement in preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage, saying, the potential for blending tradition with technology to keep heritage alive in modern times lies with the youth.

‘The future of intangible cultural heritage rests in the hands of our youth. We must therefore inspire them to embrace the legacy that has been entrusted to them,’ she added.

Mrs Deh-Kumah said the Board was also collaborating with UNESCO on sev
eral initiatives, including the development of an online platform to store and share information on Ghana’s ICH.

‘The NFB has engaged a software developer, with support from UNESCO, to develop online software to store information on ICH and make them available to the public.

Mr Carl Ampah, National Programme Officer for Culture, UNESCO, said living heritage forms the essence and spirit of our communities through the rich and diverse cultural practices, rituals and festivals, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, and the knowledge and skills related to craftsmanship that had been passed down through generations.

He said as Ghana celebrated for the first time the international day of ICH it was crucial to recognize ICH as not merely a collection of ancient traditions, but rather a living, dynamic force to shape communities, foster creativity and support sustainable development.

‘We must bear in mind the inherent potential of our diverse skillsets, knowledge and practices to provide sus
tainable livelihoods, create decent work opportunities and foster social inclusion. We must highlight also the inseparable bond between our cultural heritage and our social, cultural and economic development.’

He urged the NFB to harness the power of communication, using social media platforms and diverse initiatives to promote and educate the public on the value of safeguarding living heritage, and include the preservation of ICH in their annual programmes and budgets to ensure that sufficient resources were allocated to safeguard them for future generations.

Madam Ama Serwah Nerquaye-Tetteh, Secretary General, Ghana Commission for UNESCO, said living heritage was not only a connection to the past but also ‘a dynamic resource for building a prosperous future.’

She said traditional practices such as Kente weaving, bead making, and palm wine tapping were significant contributors to the local economy, tourism, and job creation.

In 2016, Ghana ratified the 2003 Convention for the safeguarding of the ICH, rei
nforcing its commitment to preserve and promote its living heritage and over the years, UNESCO has supported Ghana to ensure that these cultural expressions, knowledge, beliefs, practices and traditions were safeguarded for future generations.

The Global event to commemorate the day was an online discussion on ‘Artificial Intelligence and ICH in UNESCO to explain some basic facts about AI and explore some complexities of AI systems and their implementation in the field of living heritage and how ICH practitioners and stakeholders could effectively navigate the risks and opportunities that AI technologies present in safeguarding ICH.

Source: Ghana News Agency