Mac Tontoh

The Centre for National Culture was the venue where the third edition of Mac Tontoh And The Kids recently took place. Thousands of children from the region trooped to the centre in Cape Coast with anxiety and enthusiasm to celebrate the country?s rich cultural heritage.

The event, aimed at making our young ones more sensitive to our cherished cultural heritage, showcased performances such as mock-durbar, patriotic songs, sketches, poetry recitals, with the message of HIV/AIDS and child abuse, as well as the methods for preservation of our culture.

The event, opened by Mr. Emmanuel Quao, Director of Centre for National Culture in the Central region, who stood for the regional minister, called on children to protect their country?s rich cultural through decent dressing and patronage of our cultural values. He also called on parents to see the Mac Tontoh And The Kids project as one of our country?s heritage initiatives. Mr. Quao commended HOT-NOT Productions and urged them to continue spreading the programme to all the Four Corners of the country.

In his usual national message, the cultural ambassador of Mac Tontoh And The Kids, the eleven-year-old Nana Kwabena Baah Boakye charged his colleagues not to do anything that would hurt mother Ghana. He was optimistic that children could be partners in building a well-cultured nation. He reminded parents that the greatest legacy they could leave for their generation is not only a violence-free society, but also a well-preserved culture where children can see themselves as true sons and daughters of this nation. Nana Baah also added his voice to the call against indecent dressing.

He charged the fully packed auditorium to desist from immoral acts, since HIV/AIDS has now extended its victims to the young ones. He told them to be focused and geared toward the preservation of our cultural values, and always have the sense of patriotism for mother Ghana. The schools that took part in the event were Harry School Complex (Cape Coast), Hollywood (Elmina), St. Monica?s Smiling Faces (Elmina), Holy Cross International (Cape Coast), Albert Sam Memorial School (Cape Coast).

The rest are Christ Cares Int. School (Elmina), Golden Treasurers (Cape Coast), Holy Trinity School (Elmina), Redeemer School (Elmina) and Harrow International School from Greater Accra, as guest performers.

Harrisco Theatre Works put up a spectacular drama performance to round off the event, written and directed by Sam S. Adams, Event Manager.

In all, five (5) schools excelled to represent the region in the grand finale of the Mac Tontoh and the Kids later this year. They are St Monica?s Smiling Faces, Holy Cross-Int. School, Harris School Complex, Hollywood Int. School and Christ Cares Int. School.
 
Mac Tontoh And The Kids was supported by the Ghana National Commission on Children, Voltic Ghana Limited, Anapurna, Krunchy, Nayak, GIV, Celebrity News, ATL FM, Radio Central, Yes FM, Daily Guide, The Accra Daily Mail, Ghanaian Times, Spectator and P&P.

The next edition of Mac Tontoh And The Kids would be staged in the Western and Volta Regions in that succession by the end of October 2004.