Executive Director of the Ghana Folklore Board, Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah warns that Ghana is at risk of foreign music taking over it’s airwaves entirely.
The Ghana Folklore Board and the Ghana Cultural Forum, supported by UNESCO held a conference to discuss plans by which Ghana’s Highlife can be listed as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s list of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’(ICH).
Speaking at the conference which was held on Friday 4th March,2022 at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, Madam Ann Deh-Kumah pleaded with all stakeholders to help safeguard the HipLife genre.
“We must all come together and help safeguard HipLife because it is our culture” she said.
Commenting on the benefits of Highlife music been added to UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, She assured local artists that it will benefit them.
“Listing Highlife music will help the local artists” She said.
She was convinced that Ghana was on the right path with regard to its enlistment on UNESCO’s list of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’.
“Ghana is on the right path to make history and I am happy to be part of it. We are to protect, preserve, and promote them and pass them on onto the next generation.
“In these days and age when we risk the danger of foreign music sweeping our airways and entertainment venues, it is important to ensure that highlife music is well appreciated in Ghana,” she said.
The conference, was blessed with some Highlife legends and some high profile dignitaries including Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, Smart Nkansah, Ackah Blay, Dr. Kwesi Owusu, Amandzeba, Bessa Simons, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey (Daddy Bosco) among others, talked through the roadmap by which the HipLife music could be preserved and safeguarded for future generations.
Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh / Ahotor
