The Most. Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, the Apostolic Vicar of Donkorkrom Apostolic Vicariate has called Ghanaians to cherish their cultures and give it the maximum respect.
He made this known during an African Costume Day organised by the St. Joseph School of the St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Maame Krobo in the Donkorkrom Apostolic Vicariate.
In his presentation, the Prelate called for a deeper collaboration between the school and the traditional leaders of the town to help instil tradition and cultural values in the students. This he noted will also help correct some probable wrongs which might have occurred during the cultural performances of the students.
He emphasised on the Church’s commitment towards the well-being of the school and called on everyone especially the chiefs and parents to support this vision.
He entreated the parents to support their wards in the school especially on occasion of this kind. Children always feel strongly motivated when they see the presence of their parents during such celebrations.
He thanked the chiefs and elders for gracing the occasion. It was his firm hope that the programme will go a long way to help deepen the knowledge of the students about their culture.
Also present was Nana Enoch Teye Soda, the Krontihene of Maame Krobo and his entourage, Rev. Fr. Saviour Darkey, the Local Manager of the school, who also doubles as the Priest In- Charge of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Maame Krobo, Hon. Comfort Boamah, Maame Krobo East Electoral Area and other scores of dignitaries.
The celebration which was on the theme “My Culture, My Pride” had activities which included procession through the Maame Krobo township, Drama and cultural dances and donations from the chiefs and other individuals for the support of the school. The occasion gave opportunity to the students to showcase their various cultures. The following tribal groups performed cultural dances: Ewes, Akans, Krachis, Konkombas and Dagaabas.
In his speech, the Guest Speaker, Nana Enock Teye Soda, who was also the chairman of the occasion and a representative of the Chief of Maame Krobo, encouraged the Maame Krobo Township to support the St. Joseph School to help train their children to have a good future.
He encouraged the gathering to cherish their cultures and deepen their knowledge about their cultures, especially the students who are gradually losing their cultural identities. He also entreated them not to shy away from their culture.
He bemoaned the situation whereby some people feel shy to identify themselves with their cultures. He thanked the school authorities for organizing such an occasion to help the children deepen their knowledge in their cultures.
By: Rev. Fr. Matthew Akakpo (DEPSOCOM AVD)
