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Story: Vincent Amenuveve, Tamale
THE Northern Region was at the weekend adjudged the overall best at an awards ceremony held at the Jubilee Park in Tamale to mark the end of this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC).
The second position went to the Central Region, with the Ashanti Region placing third.
All the 10 regions participated in the festival which was characterized by the display of diverse rich cultural and traditional performances.
The deserving regions were all presented with trophies.
Other awards included best highlife dancer, which went to the Central Region, with the Eastern and Northern regions placing second and third respectively.
In the traditional beauty pageant category, dubbed “Miss NAFAC 2010”, Anita Adjetey, the Head of Ceramic Unit of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Accra, was crowned Miss NAFAC 2010.
Western Region was adjudged the best scientific discovery region. The best visual arts product awards went to the Ashanti Region, with Central and Eastern regions placing second and third respectively.
Dr. Hajia Salamatu Ibrahim Taimako from the Northern Region was honoured for her immense contribution to the growth of herbal medicine in Ghana.
The centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine placed second, while the Eastern Region took the third position.
In the debate competition, the Saint Charles Senior High School was adjudged the best while the best team in a gal competition went to Gbewaa, followed by Tempe-Kukuo with Baby Jet taking the third position.
Former ministers, chairmen and directors of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture (MCC), National Commission on Culture(NCC) and the Centre for National Culture (CNC) were honored.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Moses Magbenba, was also honoured for his role in making this year’s hosting of the NAFAC in the region a success.
Speakers and patrons at the function described this year’s NAFAC as a huge success although they equally complained of poor publicity about the event. The attendance for the eight-day event was described as encouraging.
The Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr. Alexander Assum-Ahensah, observed that “for the past eight days, Tamale has successfully hosted NAFAC”. He, therefore, commended the chiefs and residents of the town for the warm reception accorded visitors to the NAFAC, saying “we have enjoyed every bit of our stay here in Tamale”.
He announced that the Brong Ahafo Region would host the 2012 NAFAC.
Mr. Magbenba expressed excitement at the success hosting of NAFAC by the Northern Region.
“We in the region are proud to be hosts to an elaborate display of our rich cultural heritage; hosting this event has put us on the tourism map,” he said.
A member of the Council of State, Kpan-Naa Mohammed Bawa, observed that the event brought to the fore the need for unity and understanding.
He expressed the hope that the success of the event, particularly in terms of the good attendance, would ultimately enhance the image of the region.
The former Dean of Directors of the CNC, Mr. William Addo, on behalf of the award winners, said, “We are indeed grateful for the honour done us; but I must say that the standards set by the Northern Region are very high and so the Brong Ahafo Region cannot afford but to meet such standards or do better”.
*Source:
Daily Graphic Page: 16 Monday, November 29, 2010 |