Nana Sarfo Kantanka, the former Deputy Director of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) has urged the re- introduction of folktales (Anansesem) to help prevent children from going wayward.

“The didactic lessons from folktales, left as legacies by our ancestors, which had the power to positively influence children and mould their character to lead morally-upright lives, could also help tackle the prevalence of social vices in the country”, he explained.

Nana Katanka, who was addressing the 11th edition of the annual Anansesem competition held at the CNC for schools from the various Districts in the Metropolis, said children would be more disciplined if storytelling replaces the obscene and gory films they usually watch on television at prime time.

“Folklore, laden with the rich Ghanaian culture and tradition, most of which are embellished in wise sayings, additionally had the advantage to make our children fluent in the local dialects’’, he stressed.

Additionally, he said, the style of presenting tales broadened the imaginative horizons of the children making them creative and observant.

The participating schools included Kokoben M/A Junior High School (JHS), which emerged winners of the competition with Roman Catholic Girls JHS placing second and Father Krishe JHS, taking the third position.

Other participating schools include; Prempeh College Experimental Basic School, Maakro JHS, Chiripatre JHS, Asem Mixed Primary and Yaa Achiaa Girls.

The event, organized by the CNC with sponsorship from Indomie Instant Noodles and Nestle Ghana Limited, was aimed at educating the school children on how communities lived together in the olden days.

The winners received plaques from the organizers, and souvenirs from sponsors.