The Lister Educational Institute, in collaboration with key national bodies, has officially announced the upcoming National Heritage Quiz Competition, set to commence in August 2024.

The event was celebrated with a press conference held on June 3, 2024, aiming to rekindle interest and pride in Ghana's rich cultural heritage among the nation's youth.

Kwaku Owusu Appiah, the Executive Director of the National Heritage Quiz Competition, addressed the media and the public, emphasizing the importance of the event in preserving and promoting Ghanaian culture.

"The National Heritage Quiz Competition is not just about winning or losing; it's about understanding and embracing our shared history and culture," he remarked.

He highlighted the need to honor the struggles and triumphs of the ancestors who fought to preserve Ghana's traditions, language, and customs.

The competition, organized by the Lister Educational Institute in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, Ghana TVET Service, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, National Commission on Culture, National House of Chiefs, and the National Folklore Board, will be conducted among Second Cycle Institutions across the country, including Senior High Schools, Senior High Technical, TVET, and STEM schools.

Appiah outlined the structure of the competition, which will begin at the zonal level and advance through regional levels to culminate in a national showdown. "The zoning will be done by the Ghana Education Service and Ghana TVET Service. At the zonal level, a durbar will be held to sensitize the community on Ghanaian cultural values, followed by the quiz competition," he explained. The top two winners from each zone will progress to the regional level, and subsequently, the best from the regions will compete at the national level.

The primary goal of the quiz competition is to promote cultural heritage through tourism, patriotism, tolerance, and discipline among students and the general public.

"We appeal to the general public, especially the media, students, traditional authorities, religious organizations, and individuals, to support this noble cause," Appiah urged.

Dean of Faculties at Lister Educational Institute, Ampem Darko-Koranteng Stephen, elaborated on the broader impact of the competition.

"This event is more than just a quiz; it's about fostering a sense of national pride, cultural awareness, and intergenerational dialogue. It's about empowering our youth to become passionate ambassadors for Ghana's heritage," he stated.

He also acknowledged the support from various organizations and institutions that have partnered to make this initiative possible, including the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Tourism Authority, National Commission on Culture, Center for National Culture, and the National Theater.

"Let us celebrate our heritage with pride and passion. Let us honor our past, embrace our present, and shape our future. Together we can! Yes, we can!" he added.

The Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis Xavier Sosu, who was the special guest for the event, added, "I believe that this quiz competition is going to be an opportunity to foster national growth, to deepen our own knowledge and appreciation of Ghana’s culture and our national heritage."

"Indeed, a nation that does not know its heritage cannot foster a good future."

GA