It was all historic and nostalgic, as magnificently dressed chiefs, most of them in their palanquins, trooped to the forecourt of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Kumasi to showcase their cultural heritage.
The durbar marked the second the districts had lined up to portray their rich cultural heritage as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebration of the CNC.
It is being held under the theme: “50 years of Cultural Centre -The Torch-Bearer of Our Heritage”.
Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem, Omanhene of Tepa Traditional Area, in an address emphasised how timely it was to have dawned on Ghanaians to protect the nation’s infant democracy and the peace the nation was enjoying from being overtaken by events.
Speaking with the hind-sight of Robert Guei’s coup attempt in Cote d’Ivoire, Nana Ampem expressed regret about how some African Leaders still perceived certain positions once-assumed to be perpetual and adopted all manner of subterfuges to return to power when removed through democratic means.
He also pointed out that former President Jerry John Rawlings had done enough after serving his nation for 20 years thus contributing to the stability and peace the nation was enjoying now.
The Tepahene called on the former President to effectively play his fatherly role as a statesman and not to be noted for pronouncements that had the tendency to throw Ghana into confusion and instability.
He urged Ghanaians not to allow such “boom” pronouncements to divert their attention to the days of fear and undemocratic rule since President John Agyekum Kufuor, who was a man of principle was aware of the country’s culture, that was why he ably comported himself even in the face of provocative statements.
Nana Ampem said President Kufuor was being guided by the rich cultural norms of Ghanaians which emphasised being at peace with one’s neighbour and burying all differences to facilitate the nation’s development.
Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for his leadership qualities that had won him admiration worldwide.
He called for the organisation of such durbars to demonstrate the cultural heritage of the people at the district level to bring back memories of the good old days.
Source: GhanaWeb
