Chief launches books on Ghanaian language, culture

Akim Oda (E/R), May 1, GNA – Nana Owusu Ansah II, chief of Gyimakyi in the Ashanti Region, has launched a 41-page book “Sua Twi Kasa” (Learn to speak Twi) and others which were recorded on DVD.

The recorded ones are Akan folk tales in English, traditional games, "Kyiri bra" and "Bragoro".

The author, Madam Georgina Amma Tweneboa Saa, plays all traditional drums.

Madam Tweneboa Saa was picked after a highly competitive selection process and stringent criteria and was awarded the prestigious Kofi Annan Shield in the United Kingdom for her outstanding leadership achievement for 2011 in respect of her role in youth training and Ghanaian cultural education in Britain.

Nana Owusu Ansah said it was important to adopt a language policy, especially in the teaching and learning of Twi.

Nana Ansah called on stakeholders in the education sector to encourage the youth to learn the Twi language to enable them to communicate effectively in whatever they do.

Dr. Francis Sappera-Grant, the Managing Director of SNNIT Non-Formal Division, praised the contributions of Ghanaians whose artistic works had preserved the cultural heritage of the people.

He said Madam Tweneboa Saa's works were found all over the United Kingdom and beyond, especially in institutions in London, adding Ghana could boast of an illustrious daughter, whose works had been celebrated in many parts of Britain.

Madam Tweneboa Saa expressed regret at the gradual disappearance of traditional African theatre music and called for the pursuit and promotion of traditional music and the arts in all forms for national development.

She said traditional music and dance had an advantage over foreign ones since they were readily available and could be performed at a number of social functions.

GNA