The Heritage Month
The annual Heritage Month celebration serves as a significant platform to showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage to the world. March, in particular, provides Ghanaians with an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history, embrace its diverse traditions, and highlight the unique values that define Ghana as a truly independent nation.
However, in today’s digital era, the influence of globalization, social media, and foreign cultures has led to a shift away from traditional Ghanaian values. A historian at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Samuel Adu Gyamfi, has raised concerns about the impact of these external influences on Ghana’s cultural identity.
He emphasizes that young Ghanaians now embody a blend of different cultures borrowing from European, Asian, and Indian influences while gradually losing touch with their Ghanaian roots. According to Prof. Adu Gyamfi, this cultural dilution stems from the widespread consumption of foreign media content, which shapes perceptions, behaviors, and values among the youth.
He warns that if this trend continues, the core elements that define Ghanaian identity could be lost over time. To counteract this, the professor calls for a nationwide cultural revival, especially during Heritage Month.
He urges stakeholders including traditional leaders, policymakers, and educators to implement initiatives that promote Ghanaian traditions. He suggests measures such as enforcing a “Wear Ghana” policy throughout March, organizing educational seminars on Ghanaian heritage, and incorporating local customs into social and economic activities.
By actively promoting and practicing Ghanaian traditions, Prof. Adu Gyamfi believes that the country can reclaim its cultural identity, ensuring that future generations take pride in their heritage while minimizing the overwhelming influence of foreign cultures.