Among all the public holidays on the calendar, Independence Day is the one that has a lot of meaning to all Ghanaians regards of religious beliefs because of the strong history it reminds them of.
Ghana was the first country to set the record to gain independence from colonial rule after a long fight for freedom in 1957.
Ghana’s founding father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah saw independent Ghana as a spearhead for the liberation of the rest of Africa from colonial rule and the establishment of a socialist African unity under his leadership.
As Ghana celebrates its 67th day of independence today, the nation still finds itself struggling in the creative industry.
The challenge for many in the creative arts industry, however, is the rather inactive progression of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts to get the creative arts wheel turning.
Ghana’s creative arts industry is perhaps the oldest. From the days of Ghana’s forefathers, they danced, had theatre, played music, made amazing crafts and artifacts, and created fine garments.
The creative arts industry involves a vast number of other disciplines. Fashion design, textile making, accessories design, and even architecture, and landscaping are all elements of the creative arts.
Ghana possesses the capacity and the skills to be at the forefront of an African cultural and art revival, yet sits unconcerned as others around the world strengthen their creative industry.
It is sad to note that most of the creative arts centers in Ghana are all but dead and almost buried.
The film industry is all but dying, while the National Theatre is reduced to beauty pageants and wedding receptions. Only one or two people make the effort to revive theatre, and authentic Ghanaian music is almost gone.
If care is not taken, Ghana will draw the curtain on what gives its identity and heritage as Ghanaians.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts must ensure measures are put in place to avoid posterity judging Ghanaians.
How Creatives Celebrate Independence Day In Ghana
6th March in Ghana is marked by the display of the colors of the flag. Many people hoist the Ghana flag in their homes and dress in the Ghana flag’s colors of red, gold, green, and black.
Many, including a host of celebrities, social media influencers, singers, actors, actresses, journalists, media personalities, and statesmen flood social media with stunning pictures representing the beautiful colors of the Ghana flag in a bid to commemorate this day.
All these celebrities add very captivating captions to the photos they share online to mark the day. Some, also take to social media to express their views about the country.
The likes of Lydia Forson, Vanessa Deborah, Okyeame Kwame, Ama K. Abebrese, Felicia Osei, and Nana Ama McBrown among others.
Just like is done over the years, many Ghanaians mark the day feeling proud of how far Ghana has come and bask in the hope of a brighter future ahead.
Aside from addressing the nation about the history behind Ghana’s independence, it is also a day Ghanaians should put out the cultures, traditions, and cuisine in Ghana with the likes of eating Ghana, feeling Ghana, and wearing Ghana to build the creative industry.
With feeling Ghana, Ghanaians can express their culture through music, festivals, and religion among others
Since Ghana happens to be part of the African countries with the best of foods: the likes of Waakye, Kenkey with pepper and fish, Konkonte, Etor, Tuo Zaafi, Abolo, and Jollof Rice among others with drinks like Sobolo, Pito, Brukina, Palm Wine, Ice Kenkey, Asaana, and Lamugin should be displayed to show how rich Ghanacuisine is.
Being a hub for fashion and antique prints, wearing some traditional Ghanaian outfits like Batakari/Fugu, Kaba and Slit, Kente, Kaftan, Jokoto, Abaya/Jalabiya, Jumper, and Ahemaa Slippers can also sell Ghana.
As the nation reflects on 67 years of independence, it is an opportunity to embrace creative arts and make it a better place.
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