In a significant move aimed at revitalising Ghana’s creative and cultural heritage sector, His Excellency the President of the Republic has appointed Mr Felix Yao Adjavor as the Acting Executive Director of the National Folklore Board (NFB).
Mr Adjavor, a seasoned cultural administrator and creative industry advocate, is expected to bring fresh energy and vision to the Board — an institution that plays a crucial role in safeguarding Ghana’s rich folklore, traditional expressions, and indigenous knowledge systems.
The appointment, announced this week, has been widely welcomed within the creative arts community, with many describing it as a step toward strengthening the protection and promotion of Ghana’s cultural identity on both local and international platforms.
The National Folklore Board (NFB) was established under the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), as a body mandated to protect Ghana’s folklore and ensure that traditional cultural expressions are not exploited without authorization.
Folklore — which includes Ghana’s proverbs, folk tales, music, traditional songs, symbols, drumming patterns, and artistic designs — forms a vital part of the nation’s identity and collective memory. The NFB serves as the custodian of these cultural treasures, ensuring that they are preserved for future generations and used in ways that respect their origins and significance.
Over the years, the Board has engaged in several key initiatives, including public education on intellectual property rights, collaboration with artists and cultural institutions, and campaigns against the misuse of Ghanaian cultural symbols by foreign entities without proper licensing.
One of its most notable achievements has been raising awareness about the importance of cultural ownership — ensuring that Ghana’s folklore continues to benefit Ghanaians economically, spiritually, and socially.
As Acting Executive Director, Mr Felix Yao Adjavor is expected to lead new initiatives that blend tradition with modern innovation — particularly through digital documentation, youth engagement, and creative partnerships with musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers who draw inspiration from Ghanaian folklore.
Cultural observers believe his appointment marks a new chapter for the National Folklore Board — one that aligns with Ghana’s broader vision of promoting the creative arts as a driver of national development and global recognition.