By Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Dzogadze
The Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Mr. Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, has called for sustained investment in indigenous cultural traditions, describing music and dance as living repositories of Africa’s history, values and identity. Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, at the ninth edition of the Kpedudo Festival in Dzogadze in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, Mr. Ackuaku said Africa’s rich cultural heritage must be deliberately preserved and passed on to future generations.
The Kpedudoza was established in 2018 to sustain, strengthen and promote African expressive arts through music, dance and other indigenous cultural performances. It was initiated by one illustriuous son of the area, Azagunor Vodzi Oliver Julius Torgbo who was inspired by his concern over the declining interest of young people in traditional music and dance. This year’s Kpedudoza was held under the theme: “Supporting, Sustaining and Strengthening the Role and Transmission of African Indigenous Expression Art.”
A significant highlight of this year’s festival celebration was the announcement of plans to establish the Kpedudo Institute of Performing Arts (KIPAD) to promote the study and preservation of Ghana’s rich traditional music, dance and performing arts. Mr. Torgbo, who is the brain behind the initiative, said the proposed institute is intended to nurture young talents and ensure that future generations appreciate and sustain Africa’s indigenous cultural heritage.
The Acting Executive Director noted that although there is a renewed appreciation for indigenous knowledge systems across the continent, many traditions remain under threat if conscious efforts are not made to safeguard them. “Music and dance are not merely forms of entertainment. They are living archives of our history, our values, our philosophy and our collective memory,” he said.
According to Mr. Ackuaku, songs, rhythms, dance and storytelling have, over generations, served as channels through which African societies transmitted wisdom, celebrated milestones, resolved conflicts and strengthened social cohesion. He explained that among the Ewe people, music and dance are deeply embedded in every stage of life—from birth and initiation rites to festivals, celebrations and periods of reflection—making them powerful tools for education, identity formation and community development.
Mr. Ackuaku described the commissioning of the site for the KIPAD as more than the establishment of a physical facility. “It is the establishment of a cultural academy dedicated to safeguarding heritage, nurturing talents and creating opportunities for future generations,” he said.
He commended the initiative for recognising that culture survives only when it is taught, practised, documented and intentionally transmitted from one generation to another. He stressed that institutions such as KIPAD provide young people with opportunities to develop artistic skills while instilling pride in their cultural identity and heritage.
The Acting Executive Director reiterated the Ministry’s belief that culture is a vital pillar of national development, noting that it strengthens communities, creates employment, promotes tourism, stimulates the creative economy and fosters national cohesion.
He said government remains committed to promoting Ghana’s rich cultural diversity through initiatives such as the Black Star Experience, which seeks to position Ghana as the cultural and creative hub of Africa while creating opportunities for artists, performers, artisans and cultural entrepreneurs.
Mr. Ackuaku appealed to chiefs, community leaders, parents, educators, artists, development partners and the youth to support community-based cultural initiatives by providing the resources, mentorship and patronage needed for them to flourish. He further urged Ghanaians to celebrate traditional festivals, preserve indigenous languages, document cultural practices and promote indigenous knowledge systems to ensure future generations inherit not only material wealth but also their cultural identity.
Highlighting the significance of the Ewe language, Mr. Ackuaku observed that it is a cross-border language spoken in Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and among Ewe communities in the diaspora. He added that the language is taught in several tertiary institutions, including the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and universities in Togo, creating enormous opportunities for young people to develop cultural products for a wider international audience. “We must be proud of our heritage and work together to promote Ghanaian culture,” he said.
He commended the chiefs, elders, organisers and people of Dzogadze for their vision and dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the area and expressed the hope that the Kpedudoza would grow from strength to strength to positively impact the present and future generations of the area.
The Cultural Troupes that took centre stage at the event to provide music, dance and songs were the Dzogadze Atsyiagbekor and Dzogadze Aleawogbe Haborbor from Dzogadze, Dodovi Haborbor from Tegbi, Norvisi Haborbor from Atidzive, Gotawu Haborbor from Bedzame-Ohawu, Ganu Haborbor from Lente-Wute, Aflao, Dzigbordi Haborbor from Dzodze as well as the Nutifafa Haborbor from Adelakoekope. Other groups included the African Chamber Music from Canada as well as the Nunya Music and Academy from Dzodze.
The event attracted traditional leaders, cultural enthusiasts, youth groups, musicians, dancers and dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond, all united by a shared commitment to safeguarding Africa’s indigenous performing arts.
