The Bishop of the Northern Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana, Right Rev. Professor Joseph M.Y. Edusa Eyison, has urged the youth to appreciate their cultural values and heritage to enhance national development.
According to him, culture played an important role in promoting sustainable socio-economic development of every country.
Rt. Rev. Eyison disclosed this in Accra last Sunday at the celebration of Indigenous Ghanaian Day organised by the Diocese as part of its 5th anniversary celebration.
The day, set aside for every Methodist, including ministers in the Diocese, aimed to promote Ghanaian culture among the church through wearing of Ghanaian clothes and eating Ghanaian foods.
The event saw 18 circuits in the Diocese showcasing variety of Ghanaian dishes ranging from the various ethnic groups in the country.
There was a display of the rich Ghanaian culture by the congregation through to the leadership of the church as they adorned themselves with traditional ornaments.
Rt. Rev. Eyison said God had given mankind the natural resources, therefore, they “must eat what we grow to appreciate nature”.
“We want to showcase who we are as Africans and as Christians by worshipping God with the tradition He has blessed us with. The tradition also comes out in what we say, wear and eat so that everybody will appreciate where we live, where we are and how we may carry ourselves as far as religion is concerned, especially targeting the youth of the church,” he added.
Rt. Rev. Eyison encouraged the youth to embrace the Ghanaian culture by identifying themselves with the traditions and patronising traditional and local products, preparing and eating traditional foods to help showcase their heritage.
He also entreated the church to serve God in truth and faith, saying, “Whatever activities you do must be done and done well and all these will not be in vain, as the bible says God rewards anyone who even gives a cup of cold water to God’s servant.”
The circuit women’s fellowship secretary, Mrs Gloria Asabea, whose group represented the Eastern Region, said the significance of the event was to educate the youth about the Ghanaian culture through their dressing, food and language.
Noting that the youth of today copy wrongly, she said they had adopted western culture leaving behind the rich culture and values of their heritage.
She advised the youth to actively participate in cultural development and promotion to preserve the rich Ghanaian traditions and good cultural values.
BY VIVIAN ARTHUR
