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ECOWAS carnival, binding West Africa together with culture

By Daid Owusu-Amoah - Ghanaian Chronicle
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 | Print | E-Mail | PDF | Graphics Version
Opinion

When ECOWAS comprising of 15 West African states was formed 33years ago the vision was very clear and that was to achieve collective self-sufficiency and enhancing relations between member states through economic integration. The question that readily comes to mind is whether after we have achieved real economic integration since 33 years of the formation of ECOWAS. One may not be wrong to say that the best we have achieved is Economic co-operation. Of course how can Economic integration be what we dream about when economies of West African states are managed primarily by western governments, The IMF World Bank to mention but a few.

A time has come for Africans to look at our historical culture which is our heritage as the strong foundation for real integration.

Unfortunately there are many Africans who have very limited knowledge of what culture is. In fact Culture rules every aspect of our lives. It includes but not limited to our language our music, our films, literature, and visual arts architecture among others.

Culture is vital because it enables its members to function one with another without the need to negotiate meaning at every moment. Culture is our identity as Africans.

As we yearn for cultural integration we can learn from countries such as South Korea , China , Japan and India among others who have adopted what some African Philosophers are today advocating for and that is critical cultural renaissance.

We will benefit immensely if we learn to combine effectively neo liberal development values with relevant traditional culture. Cultural renaissance or what is known as 'sankofa' in Ghanaian parlance is likened to a mythical 'sankofa' bird that flies forward with its head turned backward reflecting the belief that the past serves as a guide for planning into the future.

It is said that intelligent retrogression is the only progression that can save Africa . Our ancestors were endowed with a great deal of wisdom, the traditions they handed over to us have deep meanings which if properly interpreted can help to plan a better life. For instance since independence the African traditional system of administration were after some time thought as not relevant for modernity and development. We instead opted for western systems of government.

Well today, it is important to note that with the shortfalls in these modern governments we now seek to incorporate the traditional system of administration onto aspects of the present system. So after all tradition and culture are not in any way retrogressive

Although Africa is home to innumerable tribes, ethnic and social group there are some commonalities in our culture. These differences in our culture make Africa a rich continent.

Quite recently the world marked 21st may as a World Day for cultural diversity as a tool to promote dialogue and development. The day provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better.

The unity and integration of member states of ECOWAS can be achieved if we can learn from one another. It is this fundamental importance of the need for culture to be employed as a cord to bind us as one that the issue of an ECOWAS Cultural Carnival was thought off by the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture with support from the ECOWAS commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, as a reference point for preaching this message of Cultural Integration.

The purpose of the Carnival which is from the 19th to 21st September is to create an opportunity and platform for Countries in the in the sub Region to exhibit their rich culture through dramatic spectacles and entertainment that will help bring out the rich diverse cultures of the various Countries in the sub Region. Among events outlined for this first ever ECOWAS carnival include Football matches between selected members Countries, street Dances food fair, traditional African Fashion cat walk. Street Jam among others. The theme for the Carnival 'Living the ECOWAS spirit @ 33' is relevant as if there is any time worthwhile to live the ECOWAS spirit of Oneness then it is now. The first President of Ghana Dr Kwame Nkrumah and other African leaders of blessed memory will rejoice in their graves if we succeed through a strong foundation of cultural Integration.


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