The National Folklore Board, operating under Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, marked the 2024 World Folklore Day on Thursday, August 22, with a series of significant events.
Observed globally on August 22 each year, World Folklore Day recognizes the importance of folklore and intangible cultural heritage. In Ghana, the National Folklore Board, which manages the administration, registration, promotion, and protection of Ghanaian folklore, spearheaded the celebration. The Board also oversees the implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, to which Ghana is a signatory.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Relevance of Traditional Symbols in the 21st Century,” and the festivities took place at the National Theatre.
Highlights of the event included the launch of the “Ga Samai” book authored by Dr. Richard Afutu Kotei, the free distribution of Ga Samai-branded exercise books, and a display of the Ga Samai collection.
The event was expertly moderated by Ahuma Bosco Ocansey of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA). Dignitaries in attendance included MUSIGA President Bessa Simons, Mrs. Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, Executive Director of the National Folklore Board, and Mr. Geoffrey Tamakloe, a representative of the Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Carl Ampah. Other notable attendees were UNESCO office representatives in Accra, Mr. Apollonius Asare from the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, and Board Members of the National Folklore Board. Traditional leaders such as Nii Ahene Numoo III, the Abola Mantse and Paramount Chief of the Abola Traditional Area, and the representative of the Ga Mantse, Nii Kwao Donkor II, were also present.
