Ghana launches 'By the Fire Side' storytelling series to revive cultural heritage
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, in collaboration with the National Folklore Board (NFB), has officially launched the "By the Fire Side" Storytelling Series under the theme "Memories of Tales". The initiative seeks to preserve Ghana's rich oral traditions, foster cultural identity, and bridge generational gaps in an era increasingly dominated by modernity and technology.
The colourful launch event, held at the NFB premises in Accra on Thursday (July 31, 2025), brought together traditional leaders, educators, creatives, and policymakers in a celebration of Ghana's storytelling heritage. The Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie in a keynote address read on her behalf highlighted storytelling's timeless role as Ghana's "living library."
"For centuries, storytelling has been how our ancestors passed on knowledge, shaped character, and nurtured identity. Around a burning fireplace, we learned empathy and courage; we came to know heroes and tricksters; we discovered consequences and compassion," the Minister stated, recalling his own early involvement as scriptwriter and producer for the original "By the Fire Side" television programme.
The Minister expressed concern about the erosion of cultural practices among Ghanaian youth, attributing it to rapid societal transformation. "Our young people have lost touch with most of our cultural practices. Some don't see or understand their relevance in our current dispensation," he noted, stressing the need to reclaim these traditions.
Mrs. Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, Executive Director of the NFB, highlighted the profound educational value of storytelling in her welcome address. "It is the oldest and purest way of teaching. Through stories, children learn about life, the world, and themselves. It promotes cognitive and literacy development," she explained, adding that storytelling helps children develop patience, listening skills, and openness to others' perspectives.
The monthly series will showcase Ghana's remarkable regional diversity through oral traditions, ranging from Ananse stories in the south to Dagbani and Ga narratives. The initiative forms part of the broader Black Star Experience agenda, originally conceived by former President John Dramani Mahama to boost cultural tourism. The programme aims to sustain traditional values like respect and community spirit while enhancing youth development through improved language skills and moral reasoning. It also seeks to position Ghana's heritage as a unique tourism offering while inspiring creative professionals to develop culturally-rooted content with international appeal.
The Minister issued a passionate call to action across sectors, urging teachers to "bring the fire to classrooms," traditional authorities to mentor new storytellers, creative professionals to adapt stories into various media forms, and corporate Ghana to support outreach programmes. "There is an Akan proverb: 'Nsub beto gya mu a, efiri ne mu'—when water quenches a fire, it is the water that came from within it. The strength we need is already among us," he concluded.
The launch event featured vibrant cultural performances, interactive storytelling sessions by Fante and Ga custodians including Nana Aba Amissah I and Nana Assase, and exhibitions of traditional arts. The NFB revealed plans to systematically document indigenous stories nationwide, building on recent successes like UNESCO's recognition of Kente weaving as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Scheduled to run on the second Friday of each month beginning in August 2025, the "By the Fire Side" series will alternate between the NFB headquarters, selected schools, and regional locations, ensuring nationwide participation in this cultural revival effort.
