Otumfuo Cultural Initiative formed to guide youth development 

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Otumfuo Youth and Cultural Initiative has been formed in Kumasi for the development of the youth. It would be run by a Board and Executive members comprising prominent members of the clergy, Moslem scholars and Clerrics and traditional leaders in Kumasi.

The main objectives are to promote cultural and traditional values for cultural preservation and youth development.

It is an awakening and renewal programme to focus on encouraging the youth to appreciate the cultural values in terms of respect for authority, honesty, humility, environmental cleanliness, adherence to basic beliefs and cultural practices.

These include birth rites (outdooring and naming), adulthood rites (puberty rites), marriage rites and death rites (burial rites, 40 days, final funeral rites and one year celebration.)

The Initiative was founded by Rev. Nana Opamago Birago Dansowaa, Dwantuahemaa of Ayeduase and Otumfuo’s Ambassador for Youth development.

She said the Initiative aligns with the vision of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene to preserve the much touted Ashanti Heritage (Asantesem) by the Ashanti Overlord.

An administrative office for the programme as well as a Youth Centre for Counselling and Guidance have since May this year been commissioned to champion the ideals of Ashanti Cultural values for youth development. Nana Opamago Birago Dansowaa, a poet and writer, has written a number of books including a 171-page book, “From Teen to Adulthood – A Guide”, to direct the youth towards healthy upbringing and co-existence in society.

She said project activities would be funded through sponsorship and fundraising and contributions.

Meanwhile, Nana Opamago Birago Dansowaa has announced plans to partner the Movement for Defence of Democracy (MDD) to publish abridged copies of the 1992 Constitution for distribution in schools at a minimal fee.

The proposed partnership comes under MDD’s “One Ghanaian, One Constitution” project.

The Movement for Defence of Democracy (MDD), an organisation dedicated for the education of people on human rights, the provisions of the 1992 Constitution and democracy in Ghana, has entered into partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to create awareness on constitutional provisions.

The two bodies (MDD and NCCE) have since July 28, 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring the collaboration into fruition.

 

 

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