Oboaman Bofotia Boa-Amponsem II, Krontihene of Sunyani Traditional Area, on Tuesday tasked the country's media to campaign against the intrusion of unsuitable foreign cultures, which he said were destroying indigenous norms and cultural values.

"We are on the threshold of losing our national identity, if immediate measures are not taken to closely guard and protect our culture", he warned in an address at a durbar of chiefs and people at Sunyani to mark the first anniversary of his installation as Krontihene.

The celebration was under the theme: "Culture, our Heritage: Reviving Communal Spirit for Better Ghana".

He called on chiefs to be instrumental in championing the promotion of the country's cultures, saying it was the basis on which the chieftaincy institution rested.

The Krontihene expressed regret that despite the government's determination to promote the country's culture through promotional efforts such as the National Festival of Arts and Culture and PANAFEST, the nation's culture still faces stiff opposition from other countries as a result ICT.

"The result is that some of our women walk about almost naked. Pornography materials are sold in public and on the Internet, which is fast becoming a notorious source for everything culturally damnable", Oboaman Bofotia added.

Oboaman Bofotia said to reverse the trend there was the need for regional centres for national culture to be brought to the door steps of the people to have a meaningful impact on society.

"Chiefs should be incorporated into the mainstream for cultural renaissance since the institution is the embodiment and epitome of our culture", he said.

He also launched a crusade for planting trees to promote ecological balance and wildlife conservation.

"This is also to galvanise the people for action and revive their communal spirit", he held.

Mr. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Regional Minister, asked the chiefs to acknowledge the importance and respect accorded the chieftaincy institution and cautioned them not to compromise in the selection of legitimate and rightful successors to vacant stools.

He appealed to the chiefs to spearhead the crusade for the eradication of poverty in their communities and the observance of good environmental practices for enhanced healthy lifestyles.

Mr. Baffour-Awuah proposed the establishment of an education endowment fund to assist needy but brilliant students in their areas.

Nana Bosoma Asor Nkawiri II, Omanhene of Sunyani Traditional Area, expressed grave concern about the numerous chieftaincy disputes in the country.

He however expressed his delight that the image of Sunyani Traditional Area was not dented by such blemish as seen by the absence of cases at the regional house of chiefs.

The Omanhene expressed concern about the level of crime wave in Sunyani and urged all residents to cooperate with the Police to flush out criminals by reporting all suspicious characters.

He advised drivers to be extra vigilant and drive safely with the approaching yuletide to avoid accidents.


Source: GNA