Communication Media as a Tool for Promoting Cultural Heritage of the Asante People of Ghana

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the rich and diverse cultural practices and
traditions of the Asante People of Ghana with a view to discovering the
inestimable roles played by Communication Media in transmitting these
cultural ideas and practices from one generation to another. In doing
this, primacy will be given to some cultural and traditional practices,
such as the famous Adowa traditional dance, music, Naming Systems and
Identity and their underlying media significance in promoting cultural
Heritage among the Asante People. This paper also argues that culture,
as the custodian of the peoples’ history, is an important tool of national
planning and development through which the government could tap on
in its development drive according to the cultural and traditional
peculiarity of the people. Information, they say, is power. This underscores
the place of the Communication Media in bringing the culture of the
Asante people of Ghana to global view and, by extension, boost the
peoples’ tourism potential, create employment, reduce social vices,
educate and entertain the people. The paper concludes by recommending
wider media information and coverage of the Asante cultural practices
and festivals with a view to making them a preferred tourist destination.
The writer calls on all stake-holders in the culture and tourism industry
to exploit the potentials the Asante culture offers to promote the “African”
in us. More cultural awakening and media attention to Asante’s beautiful
cultural diversity must be championed.