Africa-Press – Ghana. The National Folklore Board has held the second edition of its “By the Fireside” storytelling series to promote oral tradition and language development among children.
The event, themed “Memories of Tales”, formed part of activities commemorating World Folklore Day, observed annually on August 22.
It featured members of the Lododo Art Foundation, who blended indigenous folktales, music, and dance in an interactive session with children and teens at Vivie’s Dance and Theatre Academy in Accra.
Mrs. Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, Executive Director of the National Folklore Board, underscored the value of folklore in shaping young minds and preserving cultural identity.
“Storytelling particularly helps to teach the young one’s moral values and foster the love for reading, it introduces new ideas to them, promotes creative thinking, enhances their language development, builds emotional intelligence and serve as a fun way to learn.
“Folklore brings to life our traditions, beliefs, and practices, providing us with a sense of identity, belonging, and continuity across generations. It is a way by which we understand our past, present, as well as serve as a guide to our future,” she stated.
Mrs. Deh-Kumah called for broader collaboration to preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage and promote social cohesion and tourism.
She said the Board would continue working with the Ghana Education Service to establish folklore clubs in schools and make Ghanaian folktales digitally accessible to children.
World Folklore Day, declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), celebrates the diverse artistic and cultural expressions of communities worldwide.
Intangible folklore includes folktales, proverbs, languages, and social practices, while material folklore encompasses local foods, clothing, dance, arts and crafts, and festivals.
Dr Sarah Dorgbadzi Ossei, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lododo Art Foundation, emphasised the need to revive storytelling and instil the values of local folktales in children.
The National Folklore Board launched the “By the Fireside” series earlier in August.
The monthly event, held on the second Friday of each month, will feature stories from Ghana’s various regions, told in local languages to reflect the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
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