A linguist of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for the inclusion of traditional leaders on the management board of the Ashanti Regional Centre for National Culture (CNC).
Kyeame Baffour Osei Kwame Kantakrakyi said the presence and contributions of traditional leaders on the board would enhance decision-making to restore, protect, and preserve the culture and traditions of the region.
He made the call when Mr Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), led a delegation to join the Asantehene in celebrating the first Awukudae of the year at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The delegation included Ms Naomi Alabi Esq, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company.
The visit was to introduce the Executive Director of the NCC to the Asantehene following his appointment and to seek the King’s blessings and permission to revamp the Ashanti Regional CNC to enable it to effectively carry out its mandate.
As custom demands, Mr Ackuaku, on behalf of the team, presented gifts to the Asantehene, including a beautifully crafted golden pot with a porcupine emblem (Kotokohene Kuduo), Otumfuo headgear, Adinkra symbols, and other Asante-inspired geometric motifs.
Kyeame Kantakrakyi explained that representatives of the traditional council on the management board would serve as intermediaries between the CNC and the Asantehene, facilitating the resolution of challenges such as land encroachment and other projects requiring the King’s attention.
Mr Ackuaku, on his part, underscored the critical role of the CNC in preserving and promoting culture, saying its renovation and sustainability were essential.
“When we were young, anytime we wanted to learn culture and tradition, we came from Accra to Kumasi because this is the hub of cultural heritage. Its impact in preserving our cultural heritage deserves that we make it appealing,” he said.
He disclosed that the Kumasi Cultural Centre would celebrate its 75th anniversary this year and sought the Asantehene’s blessing for a successful celebration.
He also requested permission to organise a programme in Kumasi in December for the diaspora, similar to annual events held in Accra, to boost economic activities in the region.
Mr Peter Marfo, Acting Director of the Ashanti Regional CNC, appealed to corporate bodies and individuals to support preparations for the anniversary celebration.