Accra, June 23, – As part of activities lined up for PANAFEST ’97 in August, the National Commission on Culture (NCC) is to hold a series of lectures and seminars in all the regions to focus on environment and culture as tools for conflict resolution. This is aimed at re-defining cultural practices to reflect new global development and address environmental problems. Speaking to the GNA in an interview in Accra today, Efo Kodjo Mawugbe, Director of Programmes of the NCC, said ”this is a clear departure from portraying our culture as only drumming and dancing”. He explained that most problems like ethnic conflicts and environmental degradation could be solved ”if we look for solutions in our societies and stop importing solutions from outside”. Mr. Mawugbe said there are inherent cultural mechanisms for correcting environmental imbalances. He mentioned ”Odwira” and ”Akwambo” which mean cleansing and clearing respectively and both of which signify environmental consciousness.
