Ejura (Ash), Nov. 1, GNA - Ghanaians have been urged to reject cultural practices that are out of tune with modernity and retrogressive to the progress of society.

Diasempa Antwi Obugyei II, Krontihene of Ejura Traditional Area, said it was time people said "no" to forced marriages, female genital mutilation, witchcraft, widowhood rites and dependence on juju. He, however, encouraged them to help to protect traditional values and practices that hold society together and serve as main pillars of socio-economic development.

Diasempa Obugyei II was speaking on the "role of culture in national development", during the annual Sekyirene Yam Festival celebration of the people of Ejura in the Ejura-Sekyedumase District.

The festival is held to give thanks to the gods for good yam harvest during the past year. Yams are offered to the gods amidst cultural performances by the chiefs and people.

Present to grace this year's celebration were some Swazi royals including her Royal Highness Princess Tsandzisiwe, Rejoice Nkambule,

Badelisile Matsebula and Nokuthula Simelane. Diasempa Obugyei II said it was important Africa fended off foreign cultural influences to check the growing indiscipline particularly among the youth.

Modernization should not be allowed to ruin "our way of doing things and rich cultural heritage", he added.

He commended the Swazis for having kept the purity of their culture. Princess Tsandzisiwe, sister to Swazi King, said culture is what makes Africans unique.

She said everything should therefore be made to protect this, adding that, culture should also serve as a unifying factor for the continent. The Swazi Princess reminded the people to plant "the seed of peace" during traditional festivals.