Agona Swedru (CR), May 16, GNA - Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, on Thursday launched a programme to promote Brass Band music in the country at Agona Swedru. Under the programme the country has been divided into three zones, Northern, Middle and Southern where brass band music competition would be organised to select the best.

The southern zone comprising Western, Central, Greater Accra and Volta Regions would organise their competition on July 5 at Agona Swedru, while the middle zone comprising Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Ashanti Regions has been scheduled for August 23.

The northern zone comprising Upper East, West and Northern Regions would take place on September 20.

The final competition has been scheduled for Kumasi on November 15 where the winner would take away a brand new set of instruments. Mr Boafo said the programme was to revive some of the rich cultural values to promote tourism.

He noted that most Ghanaian musicians were promoting foreign culture and music at the expense of local culture and music that were affecting the country's development.

"This programme is expected to produce songs that could change the lifestyle and behaviour of the youth," he added.

Mr Martin Mireku, Acting Executive Director of Ghana Tourism Board said culture was a major component of Ghana's tourism products. He said the programme that would be a cultural festival could boost domestic tourism and promote the development of cultural products. Mr Mireku noted that the programme would create employment, unearth talents and generate revenue through tourism for development. The launch was organised and sponsored by the management of Kasapreko Distillers.