Michael Adangba donates 260 copies of Kasena books to GES

Michael Adangba has supported the Ghana Education Service offices in the Kasena Nankana Municipal and Kasena Nankana West District with 230 copies of Kasena language books to promote teaching and learning in basic schools across the Kasena communities in the Upper East Region.

The ceremony brought together teachers, supervisors and officials of the education service from both districts. The two District Directors of Education, Mr Kanlisi Thomas of Kasena Nankana Municipal and Madam Mary Magdalene of Kasena Nankana West, were present.

Speaking to the media, Madam Mary Magdalene thanked Mr Michael Adangba and his team for the support. She explained that teachers have been struggling to find Kasena language books for use in basic schools. She assured the gathering that the books will be put to good use, noting that the Ghanaian language remains the foundation of every pupil’s learning experience since teachers from kindergarten to Basic Three are required to use the local language to aid understanding in the classroom.

Mr Michael Adangba, the legendary musician and philanthropist, stressed the need to protect, safeguard and promote local languages. He said communities must take pride in their mother tongue and referred to the Asantes as an example, explaining that when one visits their area, they either tease you or teach you how to speak Twi.

“At least speak your mother language to the last point, the English we are speaking is not our language, we learnt it, and we cannot speak it like the Queen of England,” he said.

He added that the Education Minister’s directive to use local languages to teach at the basic level, especially from kindergarten to Basic Three, is a commendable step that will help young learners understand lessons better.

“I was happy when I heard the Education Minister said they should use the local language to teach our children in the basic schools,” he stated. He also noted that many people are unable to name certain modern items such as computers, mobile phones and the internet in their local languages, which creates a barrier to fully appreciating the mother tongue.

Mr Adangba reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Kasena language education. He said more copies of the books will be printed and distributed to senior high schools and colleges within the Kasena Nankana Municipal and West District to strengthen the teaching of the local language.

The author of the book, Mr Joseph Aloa Nabaarese, expressed gratitude to Mr Michael Adangba, Mr Aborah Wenawomeh and the entire Kacstone Records team for supporting the initiative to promote Kasena language learning in basic schools.

He explained that producing teaching materials has been a challenge for teachers and emphasised that the books will help students learn their traditions, culture and heritage. He added that the books will guide learners to understand their customs and rites, including funeral performances, marriage ceremonies and other important folklores of the Kasena people.

The General Manager of Kacstone Records, Mr Aborah Wenawomeh, stated that two hundred and sixty copies of the book have been donated to the Ghana Education Service offices in the Kasena Nankana Municipal and Kasena Nankana West District. He explained that 148 copies were given to the Municipal office and 112 to the West District office, with the expectation that teachers and supervisors will ensure the books serve their intended purpose.

Mr Wenawomeh said the support forms part of many interventions by Mr Adangba and Kacstone Records in the area. He mentioned an upcoming event on December 21, 2025 at the Paga Town Park where local artistes, including Michael Adangba, will perform to showcase the traditions and culture of the region. He described the Adangba Legacy Music Fest as an initiative designed to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and the rich cultural heritage of the Upper East Region.

Mr Aborah called on the public to support efforts to promote local traditions and culture spearheaded by Mr Adangba and his team.