Arts, indigenous symbols key to Ghana@70 branding – Felten

A cultural practitioner has called for the integration of indigenous symbols and traditional arts into the branding of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations in 2027. 

The proposal seeks to promote national identity and unity through the use of Adinkra symbols and other Ghanaian cultural motifs during the commemorative activities.

Mr Stanley Felten, Chief Executive Officer of African Art and Cultural Development Company Limited (African Market), made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency. 

He said Ghanaian cultural symbols offered an authentic platform for promoting the Ghana@70 celebrations and strengthening national cohesion. 

“Traditionally, Ghanaians love their arts and crafts. Every traditional area has its own, and it is a point of unification because we share these values across communities,” he said. 

Mr Felten said arts and crafts had historically served as a unifying force among Ghana’s diverse ethnic groups and should occupy a central place in the anniversary programme if national unity was one of its objectives. 

He said Adinkra symbols, which represent values such as wisdom, courage, resilience and perseverance, could be incorporated into exhibitions, public campaigns and other commemorative activities. 

Mr Felten said indigenous motifs provided an effective means of telling Ghana’s development story through symbols that were widely recognised across the country. 

He said Ghana’s artistic heritage also presented an opportunity to develop a distinctive national brand for the anniversary while projecting the country’s cultural identity to international audiences. 

Mr Felten urged public institutions, cultural organisations and citizens to embrace Ghanaian artistic traditions as part of the celebrations, describing culture as an important tool for promoting national pride and social cohesion. 

Ghana will mark 70 years of independence in 2027. The country became the first nation in sub-Saharan Africa to attain independence from colonial rule on March 6, 1957, under the leadership of Dr Kwame Nkrumah. 

The anniversary is expected to provide an opportunity to reflect on Ghana’s development since independence and promote national unity and identity. 

Source: GNA