The 2024 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) has been officially launched, with festivities scheduled to unfold from October 25 to 31 in Techiman, Bono East Region. The announcement was made at a media launch held today at the Africa Intercontinental Free Trade Area Secretariat in Accra, where a new planning committee was also inaugurated.
The launch event was attended by notable figures, 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.
Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong highlighted the festival’s role in enhancing Ghana’s reputation as a prime destination for tourism. He underscored this year’s theme, “Beyond NAFAC at 60: Harnessing Culture, the Pivot for Ghana’s Democracy and Sustainable Development,” as pivotal in leveraging culture for national progress.
“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,” Acheampong said. He emphasized the festival’s objective of mobilizing stakeholders in the arts and culture sector, showcasing talents, and reinforcing national pride.
“This year’s festival aims to provide a platform for mobilizing stakeholders in the arts and culture industry to interact, showcase talents and creativity, and project the values of our heritage as well as develop the spirit of national identity and pride,” he added. Acheampong also noted that NAFAC 2024 in Techiman will offer an opportunity for the Bono East region to highlight its cultural and economic attributes to a global audience and create a favorable environment for investments.
Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey called for a shift in focus at cultural events, urging a move from tangible aspects like dance and music to intangible elements, particularly behavioral issues. He stressed that addressing issues such as corruption is essential for Ghana’s development and can attract increased private-sector investment.
The Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Kwasi Adu Gyan, welcomed the festival’s relocation to his region, emphasizing its potential to foster cultural exchange and economic growth.
“NAFAC has over the years provided a unique platform for creative and cultural practitioners from across the regions to showcase their talents, purpose, and innovations,” Gyan said. “This festival not only highlights the diversity and vibrancy of Ghanaian culture but also serves as a converging point of ideas and collaborations that drive progress and unity in our country.”
The biennial NAFAC, celebrated 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 participation from regional ministers and paramount chiefs contributing to the festival’s grandeur.
