The government, under the auspices of the National Folklore Board (NFB), has launched a storytelling series, dubbed “By the Fire Side.”
The By the Fire Side storytelling series, which is aimed at creating a regular platform to celebrate Ghana’s rich oral traditions, will be held on the second Friday of every month.
Episodes of the series will be at the National Folklore Board office, in selected schools, and at regional levels across the country.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the Executive Director of the NFB, Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, said that the initiative would display the rich culture of Ghana to the world and also help Ghanaians across the 16 regions of the country reconnect with its rich culture.
“Each session will feature stories from the diverse regions of Ghana, told in local languages to reflect the cultural and linguistic richness of all sixteen regions. Through this initiative, communities will reconnect with their heritage while fostering pride in indigenous knowledge systems. This will also be a platform for the Board to help communities document and archive their indigenous stories, folktales, myths, and legends,” she said.
The Executive Director also touted the benefit of the initiative, especially to children.
She pointed out that storytelling, which is the oldest and purest way of teaching, plays a pivotal role in the development of children.
“Through storytelling, children are motivated to listen to others. They learn to be more patient and to let others speak, and begin to open their minds to other people’s opinions. It is a good way to prepare your children for school because it makes learning easier and more natural. It also improves a child’s concentration, which is a plus for academic success,” she said.
She also pointed out that the “By the Fire Side” initiative aligns with the government’s “Black Star Experience Agenda” because it will help children rediscover and celebrate Ghana’s cultural identity through oral traditions.
BAI
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