Ms Christine Churcher, Minister of State for Primary, Secondary and Girl-Child Education, on Friday said the cultural essence of the Ghanaian was being eroded through high levels of bribery and corruption, indiscipline, violence and ethnic conflicts.

"A society that is bankrupt in virtues has nothing to leave as a legacy to the youth," Ms Churcher said in a speech read on her behalf by Mrs Ewurabena Ahwoi, a Director at the Ministry, at the ongoing Accra International Arts and Cultural Festival, dubbed KIDDAFEST 2001.

"The future is determined by today and if the adults learn to live a virtuous life today, the future will be a glorious one for the children".The festival under the theme: "You are, therefore I am" has been designed to encourage children to celebrate their role models, heroes and heroines. Several guest participants and audience from Holland, Togo, Nigeria, Benin and Surinam will be in attendance.

The minister spoke on: "The Ministry of Education's role in fashioning out policies that will support the development of the children in the arts."Children from the Volta, Greater Accra, Eastern and Northern regions put up a cultural pageant reflecting traditions of various ethnic groups and their regional values and contributions to the socio-economic development of the nation.Hundreds of people of all walks of life witnessed the ceremony.

Ms Churcher condemned indecent behaviour of some adults especially in chieftaincy disputes that degenerate into violence, and male dominance while the plight of women and the principles of gender equality did not attract the needed attention.

The Minister suggested that regional and district KIDDAFEST events should be held for those who may not be able to be part of the international event in Accra.