Bono East ready for best NAFAC ever – CNC director assures

THE Regional Director of Centre for National Culture (CNC), Dr Barimah Asumadu Sakyi, is certain host region of this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) is ready to beat previous celebrations and make it the best ever.

This year's festival, which comes off from October 25 to 31, is on the theme: Beyond NAFAC @60: Harnessing Culture, The Pivot For Ghana's Democracy And Sustainable Development.

When questioned about the host region's level of preparedness, Dr Sakyi confidently stated in an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz that all stakeholders involved in the NAFAC celebrations have been collaborating to ensure a comprehensive and successful event.

With just two months to go, he assured that stakeholders have been working tirelessly for the past two years to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.

NAFAC 2024 launched - Will be held in Techiman October

He emphasised that every aspect, including accommodation arrangements, security measures, logistics and planning, sensitisation of local residents on the importance of participation, transportation services and local business engagement have been meticulously prepared to cater to the needs of participants from all 15 regions and equally guarantee a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

“I would say, we are very ready to host this year's NAFAC. This is because just after Cape Coast, we were informed the next NAFAC is coming to Techiman. So we started putting things together.

“Fortunately for us, our regional minister was right there when the announcement was made. So we accepted the challenge and we started putting things together. We are going to do a lot and even do better than Central Region. We know so because we have engaged all those along the value chain to ensure a lasting celebration.

“ Our citizens are being sensitised daily on why they should participate and also provide a friendly environment for those who will visit our region. We are ready and Ghana will have the best NAFAC celebration ever.”

Dr. Sakyi urged residents of the Bono East Region to support the upcoming NAFAC celebrations, emphasising the significance of community involvement in showcasing Ghana's rich cultural heritage to the world.

According to him, their participation in the festival would boost local businesses, promote the region's cultural heritage and give them visibility as patrons would be exposed to the region’s  diverse cultural practices, such as traditional dress, food, marriage customs, dance and socio-economic activities.

He believes the region can reap substantial economic benefits and encouraged everyone to embrace this opportunity.

“This year’s NAFAC celebrations will bring the entire country to Techiman and the Bono East Region and this will create opportunities for economic growth through trading activities and there will also be potential benefits for the hospitality and transport sectors.”

Dr. Sakyi made a passionate appeal to corporate organisations to partner with the NAFAC celebrations, not only to support the event but also to tap into the region's vast business opportunities and favourable climate.

 “Techiman, is renowned for its thriving yam market, making it an ideal destination for investment. Beyond its agricultural potential, the region also boasts of significant tourism opportunities. I extend an invitation to investors to explore the vast possibilities in Bono East and Techiman, from market development to tourism infrastructure.

“ As a newly established region, Techiman offers a fertile ground for investment, promising lucrative returns. Come and capitalise on the opportunities in this emerging market, creating prosperity for the people of Ghana and driving economic growth", he added.