Excerpt
Ghana’s rich tapestry of traditions, stories, and artistic expressions forms the bedrock of its national identity. At the forefront of preserving and promoting this cultural wealth is the National Folklore Board (NFB). This article delves into the historical background, constitutional mandate, organizational structure, leadership, recruitment processes, constitutional reforms, collaborative units, achievements, and other pertinent details about the NFB.
Historical Background
The National Folklore Board was established under the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690) to administer, protect, and promote Ghanaian expressions of folklore on behalf of the Republic. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, the Ghanaian government instituted the NFB to ensure that traditional beliefs, customs, and artistic expressions are preserved for future generations.
Constitutional Role and Mandate
The NFB’s primary mandate includes:
Administration of Folklore:
- Managing and overseeing the use of Ghana’s folklore to ensure its proper representation and preservation.
Protection of Folklore:
- Safeguarding against unauthorized exploitation and misuse of traditional cultural expressions.
Promotion of Folklore:
- Initiating programs and activities that highlight and celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage both locally and internationally.
Registration of Folklore:
- Maintaining a comprehensive register of all expressions of folklore to monitor and document their usage.
Organizational Structure
The NFB operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Its organizational structure comprises:
Governing Board:
- Appointed by the President, the board includes a chairperson, the copyright administrator, a representative from the National Commission on Culture, and six other members. This board provides strategic direction and oversight for the NFB’s activities.
Directorate:
- Responsible for the daily operations, the directorate ensures effective implementation of policies, manages administrative tasks, and maintains public relations.
Leadership and Ranks
The leadership hierarchy of the NFB is as follows:
Executive Director:
- The chief executive officer responsible for overall management and strategic planning. Notably, Nana Adjoa Adobea Asante served as the acting director, bringing significant expertise in intellectual property and cultural preservation.
Deputy Directors:
- Assist the Executive Director in specific areas such as research, legal affairs, and public relations.
Department Heads:
- Lead various departments, including Administration, Finance, Research, and Legal Affairs.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
Members of the Governing Board are appointed by the President in consultation with the Council of State. Their tenure lasts four years, with the possibility of reappointment. Recruitment for other positions within the NFB follows the standard public service procedures, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection. Vacancies are advertised publicly, and candidates undergo a rigorous selection process to ensure they meet the required qualifications and experience.
Collaborative Units and Partnerships
The NFB collaborates with various institutions to fulfill its mandate:
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture:
- As its parent ministry, they work closely on policy formulation and implementation.
National Commission on Culture:
- Partners in promoting cultural heritage and organizing events.
Educational Institutions:
- Collaborates to introduce folklore clubs in schools, fostering cultural awareness among the youth.
International Organizations:
- Engages with bodies like UNESCO to align with global standards in cultural preservation.
Constitutional Reforms
Over the years, the NFB has undergone several reforms to enhance its effectiveness:
Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690):
- This act redefined the scope of folklore protection, granting the NFB authority to license and monitor the use of Ghanaian folklore, especially for commercial purposes.
Digitization Initiatives:
- In collaboration with partners like MTN, the NFB has embarked on projects to digitize folklore materials, making them more accessible to the public and preserving them in digital formats for posterity.
Achievements
The NFB has made significant strides in preserving and promoting Ghana’s folklore:
World Folklore Day Celebrations:
- Instituted annual celebrations to raise awareness about the importance of folklore, featuring cultural performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
Folklore Clubs in Schools:
- Launched clubs to educate students about Ghanaian traditions, ensuring the younger generation appreciates and continues these practices.
Digitization of Folklore:
- Partnered with MTN to digitize folklore materials, ensuring wider accessibility and preservation.
Protection of Cultural Symbols:
- Actively monitors and addresses unauthorized use of Ghanaian cultural symbols, ensuring they are used respectfully and appropriately.
FAQs
1. What is the National Folklore Board?
- The National Folklore Board (NFB) is a statutory body established under the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690) to administer, protect, and promote Ghanaian expressions of folklore on behalf of the Republic.
2. How does the NFB protect Ghana’s folklore?
- The NFB safeguards folklore by monitoring its use, granting permissions for commercial purposes, and addressing unauthorized exploitation to ensure respectful representation.
3. Can individuals use Ghanaian folklore for commercial purposes?
- Yes, but they must obtain permission from the NFB and may be required to pay a fee, which is used for the preservation and promotion of folklore.
4. What initiatives has the NFB undertaken to promote folklore among the youth?
- The NFB has launched folklore clubs in schools to educate students about Ghanaian traditions and has organized events like the World Folklore Day to engage the younger generation.
5. How can one get involved with the National Folklore Board’s activities?
- Interested individuals can visit the NFB’s official website or contact their offices to learn about ongoing programs, volunteer opportunities, and events.
References
- https://www.folklore.gov.gh/about-us/
- https://www.motac.gov.gh/national-folklore-board-nfb/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Act_%28Ghana%29
- https://www.folklore.gov.gh/departments/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nana_Adjoa_Adobea_Asante
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Folklore_Board_
- https://www.myjoyonline.com/we-dont-want-to-lose-our-heritage-national-folklore-board-director-insists/
- https://www.folklore.gov.gh/folklore/
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/National_Folklore_Board_%28Ghana%29