Kente to Highlife: National Folklore Board says Ghana's cultural heritage is a 21st-century goldmine
Ghana has joined the global community in celebrating UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Day 2025, using the occasion to highlight the profound and ongoing relevance of living traditions in shaping the nation’s identity, economy, and future.
This year’s observance highlights the significance of intangible cultural heritage in the 21st century, reaffirming the need to preserve the cultural expressions that continue to shape Ghana’s social fabric.
The National Folklore Board (NFB), in a press release, detailed the vibrant scope of this heritage, which includes Adinkra symbolism, the Homowo, Aboakyir and Hogbetsotso festivals, Dagomba drumming traditions, storytelling practices, and Kente craftsmanship.
The Board emphasised that these cultural forms are not relics of the past but active forces in contemporary life.
"Across Ghana, intangible cultural heritage is deeply woven into the daily life of the Ghanaian people; in guiding moral values, community governance, and environmental stewardship," the release stated. It was further noted that traditions governing storytelling, drumming, and proverbial orations "transfer wisdom, strengthen family and community ties, and inspire innovation in creative industries such as music, fashion and tourism."
The press release outlined three core reasons for the continued potency of this heritage. "Cultural heritage embodies the identity of communities."
It was described as a bridge between past, present, and future that reminds communities of their origins and identities. Furthermore, "Cultural heritage produces economic benefits for communities" by generating revenue through tourism and the creative economy. Lastly, "Cultural heritage continually inspires creatives" by serving as a rich source of ideas and a platform for innovation.
According to the release, UNESCO views intangible cultural heritage as "a dynamic source of inspiration that promotes cultural diversity, social cohesion, and sustainable development across generations."
Ghana’s commitment, following its ratification of the UNESCO 2003 Convention, is being advanced through efforts by the NFB and partner institutions to document, preserve, and promote heritage nationwide.
These efforts include "community-based inventorying, youth engagement programmes, digital documentation projects, and heritage education initiatives in schools."
The Board stressed that safeguarding this heritage is a "shared responsibility" and encouraged citizens to "celebrate and promote their local traditions, support cultural bearers, and participate in safeguarding efforts."
