THE stage is set for the hosting of this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) in Tamale and the Centre for National Culture (CNC) regional office in the metropolis has been given a facelift.
The main auditorium of the centre that will host exhibitions of various arts from the 10 participatory regions has also been refurbished.
At the time of filing this report, finishing touches were being put to preparations at the Jubilee Park close to the CNC where the grand opening and durbar of chiefs will be held today.
Even though some residents claim there has not been adequate publicity on the event, others have expressed their eagerness to savour the rich traditional and cultural displays that will be showcased during the one-week festival.
Majority of residents Daily Graphic interacted with displayed a lot of enthusiasm over the fact that Tamale has been chosen to host the event again. The first time it was successfully hosted in the metropolis was in 1978.
They assured people who would patronise the NAFAC activities that they would not only enjoy themselves but would also taste the trademark hospitality of residents.
“You know the North is the cradle of culture and tradition and with Tamale hosting such a festival, I cannot just wait to observe how the proceedings would go to let the outside world know the rich cultural diversity we are blessed with in this country,” a tailor, Afah Iddi stated.
Some dealers in smocks have also expressed high expectations of patronage of their wares since NAFAC is a traditional event. “ The wearing of smock has now become very popular even outside the shores of Ghana; our problem is with the publicity because if it was done well, then we would expect to do brisk business particularly with our guests from the south,” a dealer, Abdulai Tanko indicated.
The Police have also expressed their readiness to provide adequate security for all. They have therefore appealed to the people to cooperate with them during the festivities.
According to the deputy Northern regional director of the CNC, Mr Abubakar Iddris Saeed, members of the participatory regions were to arrive in Tamale yesterday, adding that adequate accommodation had been secured for them.
The programme lined up for the week’s event include a durbar of chiefs, opening of regional centres, traditional performances from participating regions, food bazaar, exhibition of national collections, beauty pageant and awards nite.
Mr Saeed, however, raised concerns over the delay in the release of funds for the event which he said had hindered their preparations.
The deputy director has, meanwhile, expressed appreciation to the various paramountcies in the Northern Region for the interest and support extended to the NAFAC committee so far.
“We hope that more support will be offered us by the chiefs and people to ensure a total success of the programme,” he added.
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