March holds special significance in Ghana’s history as it marks both the declaration of independence and the foundation of Pan-Africanism.
It provides an opportunity to reflect on the history, celebrate the cultural diversity, and assess the present to preserve the collective culture for future generations.
The Heritage month, sometimes referred to as the Ghana Month, is filled with tours, events and activities, highlighting Ghana’s rich heritage.
Amidst the celebrations, one voice stands out, passionately advocating for the revival and preservation of Ghana’s heritage.
Ms. Brandina Djagba, the Wear Ghana Ambassador and a visionary and tireless advocate, has long championed the idea that Ghanaians must take pride in what their nation produces.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, she said the key to sustaining and elevating the rich culture of Ghana lied in supporting local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneur, while emphasising the need for citizens to actively patronise Ghanaian-made products and shift their focus back to local crafts and businesses.
“Ghana is a land of abundance, rich in talent, beauty, and innovation. Yet, we often look beyond our borders for the things we need, forgetting that we have everything we need right here.”
THE “FEEL, EAT, WEAR, AND SEE GHANA” CAMPAIGN
Ms. Djagba, also known as Mama Africa, said the heritage month was an opportunity to champion the ‘Feel Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana and See Ghana campaign.” It is time we took ownership of our heritage, and it starts with embracing what we create.”
“We have to support local artisans, whether it is a handmade Kente cloth, carved wooden sculptures, or local pottery, emphasising the value of these products not just in their aesthetic appeal, but in their deep cultural significance.”
“Every piece of craftwork carries the soul of Ghana, so by purchasing local products, we preserve these traditions for future generations.”
On ‘Eat Ghana’, Ms Djagba urged Ghanaians to reconnect with their local cuisine and support local farmers and food producers.
“From our hearty jollof rice to the mouth-watering fufu and light soup, kokonte, Too Zaafi(TZ)) and akple, Ghana’s cuisine is world-class. It’s time to savour the foods that reflect who we are. We must buy fresh, organic produce from local markets and celebrate the diverse flavours of Ghana’s traditional dishes.”
She also spoke about the growing trend of food tourism, where visitors were encouraged to experience Ghana’s culinary wonders. This, she argued, could be a tremendous boom to the local economy, boosting small businesses and creating jobs.
The Wear Ghana Ambassador also appealed to Ghanaians to wear locally made clothing, especially at this time when there is a rise of Ghanaian designers, whose creations have caught the attention of the global fashion industry.
“When we wear clothing made by our own people, we carry our heritage with us. Every stitch tells a story, and every fabric echoes our history. Local fashion brands, often inspired by traditional textiles like Kente and Batik, offer a perfect blend of modern style and cultural pride.”
She added that by investing in Ghanaian-made clothing, Ghanaians could fuel an industry that “celebrates their identity while also encouraging economic growth.”
THE DOMESTIC TOURISM CAMPAIGN
Ms Djagba said the See Ghana campaign was linked to domestic tourism and encouraged Ghanaians to explore the wonders of their own land, from the majestic Kakum National Park to the historical Elmina Castle.
“Ghana is not just a place on the map, but a treasure trove of natural beauty and rich history, and Ghanaians must take the time to experience it fully, to learn about our past, and to support the local communities that rely on tourism.”
THE “BLACK STAR EXPERIENCE”
In addition to the domestic tourism campaign, she noted that the “Black Star Experience,” government’s flagship programme which aims to establish Ghana as the gateway to Africa for the global diaspora, featuring thoughtfully curated cultural, historical, and creative arts experiences.
It would include year-round activities including street carnivals, film week, a fashion festival, a food fair, theatrical and drama performances, concert party competitions, and monthly domestic tourism destinations.
She called on Ghanaians to explore the hidden gems of their homeland, venture beyond their usual surroundings and experience the deep, untold stories that defined the nation.
COCLUSION
The “Feel, Eat, Wear, and See Ghana” initiative, when combined with the domestic tourism campaign and the “Black Star Experience,” creates a multi-faceted approach to national pride and economic empowerment.
She called for a collective effort to not only celebrate Ghanaian heritage during Heritage Month but to make it a lifestyle year-round.
“Let this month be the beginning of a cultural revolution and make a commitment to invest in our own. We have the power to reshape the future of Ghana, one purchase, one experience, one story at a time.”
“The Heritage Month is about living that heritage every day. Whether you are wearing a beautifully crafted Kente, enjoying the flavours of our traditional dishes, or visiting a historic site. It is time to embrace Ghana in all its forms.
GNA
