Akrofrom (Ash), May 13, GNA- Nana Abena Dufie, Queen Mother of Atwima-Akrofrom has noted that the moral decadence among the youth could be addressed if serious attention was given to the effective promotion and development of the country's rich cultural and traditional practices and values.

She said the neglect of the Ghanaian cultural heritage had impacted negatively on socio- economic development.

Nana Dufie was speaking at the annual Atwima-Nwabiagya zonal cultural festival at Akrofrom near Afari on Thursday on the theme: "Culture: The Bedrock for Nation Building".

Nine basic schools in the Nkawie Circuit participated in choral music, drumming and dancing, poetry recital and the exhibition of vocational products including art and craft, catering, basketry, beads making, ceramics and wood work.

Nana Dufie advised the youth to refrain from social vices that had the tendency to destroy their future aspirations and rather concentrate on the development of their talents and knowledge through studies. The Queen Mother condemned the tendency of some parents to assault teachers who punish their children.

Mr Baffour Asare-Bediako, Assistant Director expressed concern about adoption of foreign lifestyles by the youth, which he said, had contributed to indiscipline and other social vices. Mr Asare-Bediako advised adults to lead lives worthy of emulation by the youth.

Mr Ibrahim Mohammad Quansah, District Cultural Officer, urged the custodians of the nation's culture and traditions to reverse the wrong perception of the youth about the country's cultural heritage. This, he said, would impact positively on the sustainable socio-economic development.