The Nifahene and Aduanahene of the Techiman Traditional Area, Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pentenprem II, has called on parents and elderly in the society to as a matter of urgency pass on their cultural heritage to the younger generation.
According to Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pentenprem II, the preservation and promotion of Ghana’s rich culture and for that matter the culture, traditions and customs of the people of Techiman is gradually fading.
He stressed that it is the responsibility of the older generations to ensure that their cultural traditions, customs, and values are not lost over time.
“We have to strengthen our cultural and traditional values so that the future generation can continue to observe them when we are no more. I have realized that we are gradually losing our cultural heritage due to our own negligence. Ghana would have been a better place that we see today if we had shown key interest in preserving our culture and customs.
“The issue of theft was barely heard of in the olden days due to our cultural norms and traditions but we can’t say the same in this generation and the sad thing is that those that engage in those theft are living a miserable life.
“Teenage pregnancy has almost become a norm in our country but during the olden days when our forefathers were serious about puberty rites, teenage pregnancy was not rampant. Nowadays we have girls as young as 12 years expecting to deliver and as a result they have dropped out from schools.” He said.
The Techiman Aduanahene said this during the 2024 Munufie Yam Festival under the theme, “Promoting Cultural and Traditional Values in the Later Generation.” Nana said if the people of Techiman and Ghana as a whole revisit the olden days where culture, tradition and customs were valued, social vices will decrease at a very rapid pace.
“I believe that if we revisit our olden ways by strengthening our traditions, culture and customs, issues like teenage pregnancy, and other social vices will be curtailed and that is the reason I choose that theme for this year’s Munufie Yam Festival celebrations.
Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pentenprem II, said their forefathers did their best in passing down their cultural heritage to them and therefore they must also take an active role in teaching their children and grandchildren about their cultural heritage. This he said can be done through storytelling, traditional music and dance, and other forms of cultural expression.
“Our forefathers made it their duty to transfer their knowledge about our culture to us and we therefore have the solemn responsibility to also transmit the knowledge we have gained about our culture, traditions and customs to the younger generation.
The Techiman Aduanahene and Nifahene also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural artifacts, traditions, and customs. By doing so, they can help ensure that their cultural traditions and values remain an integral part of their community’s identity for generations to come.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
