NAFAC 2014 enters day 4 with 2nd Regional Day
 

The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC 2014) rolled into its fourth day with the observation of the second Regional Day which featured Ashanti, Volta, Greater Accra and Western Regions. 

Performers from the four Regions tried to outdo each other with thrilling performances that left the sparse crowd thoroughly entertained. 

Opening the day, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Eric Opoku urged the Regions not just perform but take time off to explain customs and the significance of the various dances. 

Under the Chairmanship of Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area,TorgbeGarbosu, the Volta Region set the ball rolling with performances from the Nananom Ensemble, the Haveh Unity Borbor group and the Baasar Fire Dancers from Northern Volta. 

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Francis Ganyanglo spoke about the cultural, touristic and physical and other attributes of the region.  

He called for investors to take advantage of the many opportunities in Agriculture, Minerals and Oil and Gas in the Keta Basin.  

The Ashanti Region was the next to take centre stage with the Asantefoohene in Brong-Ahafo, Nana Osei Mensah Abrampah taking over the Chairmanship from Torgbe Garbosu. 

In his remarks he noted that Ghana’s challenges with filth and lack of respect for adults are all the product of lack of knowledge about the culture and traditions of the various groups in Ghana. 

He therefore expressed the hope that NAFAC could be a platform to address this challenge. 

The Deputy Regional Minister for Ashanti, Joseph Yammin, for his part extolled to the endowments and achievements of his Region and confidently stated that Ashanti has a lot to offer by way of tourism and culture.  

The Ashanti Region enacted Bragoro, a Puberty Rite, that ushers girls into womanhood and kyiribra, which is basically what girls who get pregnant before undergoing Bragoro have to endure. 

Another surprise the Ashanti region gave the gathering was a performance by legendary Ghanaian Musician, Agya Koo Nimo, who held the gathering spell bound with his brand of roots highlife music.

The Representatives of the Greater Accra Region were next in the spot light.

The President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Abram Kabuakuaku, took over the Chairmanship for the segment and without much ado they plunged onto their performance with Numo Blafo pouring libation to set them off.  

They featured groups like Amamre Folk Music and Dance Group, Kunsum Ensemble and AyawasoManshisiKwenloe in performances like the Tigari Fetish dance, Gomme, Atofo and the ever popular Kpanlogo. 

Taking his turn at the podium, the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, NiiDjangmahLarteyVanderpuiye, said culture is key to development and called for the nation’s development effort to be guided by the Nation’s traditions and culture. The Western Region was the last to perform on the day. 

They were led by the Omanhene for Mpohor Traditional Area, OsabarimaEkowEntsie, who chaired that segment.  As expected they treated the crowd to some dances unique to the Region. 

Addressing the gathering the Deputy Minister for Western Region, Alfred EkowGyan, said the slogan the best comes from the West is aptly demonstrated by the fact that the Western Region contributes about half of Ghana’s GDP.

The final part of the day was a visit to the exhibition mounted by the Western, Greater Accra, Volta and Ashanti Regions.

GBC