Otaakrom (Ash), March 18, GNA - Nana Yaw Owusu, Otaakromhene, has released three hectares of land to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to be developed into a cultural village to promote the country's rich culture.

Announcing this at the Atwima district Zonal cultural festival at Otaakrom, near Nyinahin on Wednesday, Nana Owusu said the project when completed would promote tourism and also offer recreation to residents in the area.

He advised the youth, especially pupils and students not to shun the country's rich cultural and traditional practices. "The society's culture identifies the true identity and personality of the individual," he added.

Nana Owusu appealed to the Atwima district assembly and the GES to assist the community put up toilet facilities, which is aimed at improving sanitation at the local basic school.

Mr Osei Tutu, Centre manager of the Otaakrom Integrated Community Centre for Employable Skills (ICCES), suggested that educational institutions should engage in practical farming activities to equip their students with agricultural technology and also raise enough funds for school activities.

He said the Otaakrom ICCES is seriously engaged in the rearing of snails, grasscutters and mushroom production not only to encourage the trainees to acquire the technology but also to serve as income-generating activities to the centre.

Miss Margaret Twum, Headteacher of the Otaakrom Local Authority Primary School, advised parents to offer good training to their children at home.

Otaakrom primary school came first in drumming and dancing and choral music while Takoradi placed first in poetry in the primary division.

In the Junior Secondary School division, Otaakrom came first in drumming and dancing, poetry recital, choral music and art and craft exhibition.