Asantehene’s Chief Priest has urged the government to invest in radio and television programmes to teach the public about Ghana's cultural heritage.

Nsumankwaahene, Baffour Asabere Ababio Kogyawoasu III, believes that people would realise the significance of culture in moulding their lives and lead to holistic national development.

“The state should find interest in sponsoring the media to have more airtime to speak about culture and tradition; otherwise a time will come when we will be challenged in learning about our culture… some of the things currently going on in our airwaves are not healthy for our development,” he said.

Baffour Asabere was a guest on Luv FM to talk about the origins and history behind towns, suburbs and settlements in the Ashanti region as part of the Ghana Month series on Luv In The Morning show.

He said it is sad that persons with knowledge of history and culture are undervalued and underutilised in their efforts to document and promote Ghanaian heritage.

“We need to urgently tap into the existing wealth of knowledge for documentation of our traditions, so we don’t lose out and regret in the future,” said Asantehene’s Nsumankwaahene.

Baffour described how the names of several well-known communities have become distorted over time.

“Anum” is what has been corrupted to Adum.

“Baah-Ntoma” is what has been corrupted to Bantama.

“Kroa-da-so” (Calabash is on it) is what has been corrupted to Kwadaso. The area was filled with palm trees that produced palm wine. So when you go there, you will always find a drinking calabash ready for you to enjoy. Because of this, it became a popular place. When you go there, the pot that holds the wine has a "Kroa" already placed on it.

“Obour Kurom” is what has been corrupted to Buokrom. Obuo is “bosom” (a lesser god).

“Asafuo” is what has been corrupted to Asafo. A place for soldiers for the Asantehene and the Asante Kingdom.

Baffour Asabere Ababio Kogyawoasu is unhappy with the poor use of local languages, low patronage of local foods and disregard for important cultural practices.

He observed the emergence of new diseases, insanitary environment and sexual immorality are mostly because traditional ways of life have been relegated.