More emphasis on Arts and Culture in schools needed

Akropong (E/R), June 30, GNA - Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, has called for greater emphasis to be placed on Arts and Culture in schools.

He said such emphasis was needed to enable children to learn more about the traditions of their ancestors, to lead good and respectable lives and to grow up to become useful citizens.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo was speaking at the opening of the eighth Eastern Regional Senior High and Technical Schools Festival of Arts at Akropong-Akuapem on Tuesday.

The festival was to select students to represent the region in the National Arts Festival, which would be organized in Cape Coast later this year.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo wondered if the youth of the country were cultured given the extent of indiscipline among them, which have the tendency of retarding their growth and development in future.

He said if adults wanted the youth to maintain cultural values, then they (youth) needed to be educated to do away with negative acts such as drunkenness, disrespect for the aged and authority, bad dressing, drug abuse and unguided invitation of foreign life styles.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo appealed to cultural coordinators to integrate their programmes with HIV/AIDS awareness and "know Your Status" campaign to contribute towards efforts at reducing the spread of the disease.

The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Rene Boakye Boaten, called on the participants to use the festival to promote peace as a prerequisite for development.

Earlier, the Akuapem North District Chief Executive, Mr George Opare-Addo, said unity in cultural diversity should be encouraged.

GNA