359-year-old drum at Glidzi attracts tourists

Togbe Sedgbe Foli Bebe XV

This drum was made in 1663 for the first Ga Chief at Glidzi near Anexor, Togo.

The ancient drum evokes nostalgia — *Nii Ashitey Tetteh (left) with Foli, carrying the drum*

The drum, surrounded by human skull, was played for the first Ga Chief, Togbe Foli-Bebe, once a year during his reign from 1663-1722 at festivals.

It was made with Odum tree and a cow hide and played for 13 successive chiefs before the current chief, Torgbui Sedegbe Foli Bebe XV, was installed in June, 1997.

The chief said the features of the drum had never changed since 1663 and extolled the unique talent of those who made the drum.

He said the drum contained the soul and spirit of the entire Ga citizens in Togo and evoked nostalgia whenever it was played during festivals and special occasions.

Togbui Sedegbe Foli Bebe XV praised his grandson, Foli, for being chosen naturally by the gods to play the drum seamlessly like his forefathers did since 1663.

It has since become a tourist attraction for visitors who throng Glidzi to catch a glimpse of this wonderful drum.

By Francis Xah

Accra Polo Club, South African Tourism hold 68th Independence Cup

To commemorate Ghana’s Independence Day, the Accra Polo Club in partnership with South African Tourism organised 68th Independence Cup.

The event held last Saturday brought together Ghanaians and South Africans for a memorable experience.

It highlighted a celebration of premium lifestyle, culture and a showcasing of brotherly competition between South Africa and Ghana.

The event saw Ghana’s Accra Polo Club secure a reverberating 9-1 victory over South Africa’s Sparta Polo Club.

Speaking at the ceremony,Acting South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, commended the organising team for putting up a superb event.

According to him, South Africa Tourism together with the Accra Polo Club over the years have ensured an event of this nature to bring about cohesion and strengthen the bilateral relationship.

He emphasised the strong affinity Ghanaians have for South Africa, reinforcing why they continued to visit in large numbers.

The South African team’s participation in the polo tournament was a strategic move to deepen the sporting and cultural ties between the two nations while subtly promoting travel to South Africa.

The joy was made complete with good food, music, and an immersive South African experience.

Heritage Month Ghana trends

From the stables of GTV, the Morning Show team of George Sappor, Thelma Tackie (left) and Clara Mlano (right) added a touch of royalty to the Heritage Month observation with the trio beautifully draped in the rich Kent

Since the institution of the Heritage Month celebration in Ghana, it has offered citizens opportunities of a lifetime to learn about their cultures and lifestyles.

Ghana’s version is observed in the month of March, coinciding with the country’s Independence Day celebrations on March 6.

Ayisha Yakubu, a broadcast journalist at TV3

Heritage Month features festivals, food fairs, arts, crafts, and music events to highlight the economic and social value of preserving national heritage.

Though a brainchild of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the celebration has been driven to greater heights by local media with the organisation of several events to create the needed euphoria.

Cecelia Yada Lagba of The Ghanaian Times newspaper dressed gorgeously with Kente also showed a keen interest in farming by displaying some produce

Among the events are the Heritage Caravan and Back To Your Village Food Bazaar powered by Accra-based Citi FM and Citi TV, Wear Ghana Festival and the Gɔbɛ festival powered by 3News.

The Heritage Caravan is a road trip which takes patrons across more than half of Ghana’s regions to offer a distinctive road trip that allows participants to explore the various regions of Ghana, providing an up-close encounter with the country’s historical and cultural heritage.

Metro TV’s Entertainment Review show hosts, Nana Yaa Tandoh and Desmond Okraku Danso looked cute and elegant in their traditional outfit to mark the Heritage Month

In addition to these roles played by the media, news anchors and other presenters appear on screens immaculately garbed in locally made outfits, bringing out the beauty of our traditions.

Today, The Spectator newspaper selected a few of the media personalities that are working to give the celebration a global dimension to project the country.

By Andrew Nortey