Congregants of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Redemption Congregation at Tema Community Nine, celebrated Ghana’s rich cultural heritage during a special church service, to mark the country’s 69th Independence Anniversary.
The colourful event, dubbed “Rep Your Region Sunday,” formed part of activities marking the church’s week-long Youth and Students’ Week celebration.
Members of the various generational groups in the church appeared in traditional attire representing different regions of Ghana and performed cultural dances, songs and presentations highlighting the history, food, dressing and traditions of the regions they represented.
The Junior Youth (JY), which is the adolescent group of the church, opened the performances representing the Greater Accra Region.
Dressed in traditional white cloth and adorned with fresh ‘nyanyra’ leaves around their necks, they performed the popular “Wala Aboloo” song by Soul Winners and narrated the history of the Ga-Dangme people before entertaining the congregation with a spirited Kpanlogo dance.
They also displayed Ga delicacies including kenkey served with fried fish and demonstrated the grinding of kpakposhito (hot pepper), highlighting the fishing and farming heritage of the Ga people.
The Men’s Fellowship represented the Volta Region, where they shared insights into the history and cultural identity of the Ewe people, explaining the meanings behind some of their unique names while showcasing traditional foods from the region.
Members of the Young Adult Fellowship (YAF) represented the Northern Region, appearing mostly in fugu and dancing energetically to the rhythm of the ‘dondo’ talking drum.
They educated the congregation on northern traditions, including the cultural significance of the tilted hat worn with the fugu.
Their presentation also featured traditional northern beverages such as ‘lemugin’ and ‘pito,’ which were shared among members of the congregation.
Representing the Central Region, the Women’s Fellowship opened their presentation with the Apatampa dance, gracefully swaying and clapping in rhythm to traditional songs.
They also educated the congregation on the history of the Fante people, their cuisine, dressing and professions, while highlighting the region’s numerous tourist attractions.
They further noted that the Central Region hosts many prominent senior high schools, earning it the reputation as a citadel of education.
The Children’s Service, together with their teachers, represented the Western Region in colourful masquerade costumes, while some of the girls wore ‘kaba and slit,’ (a traditional attire for females) and the boys draped traditional cloth over their shoulders.
Hosting the “Rep Your Region Sunday,” the Young People’s Guide (YPG) group represented the Eastern Region.
They educated the congregation about the region’s diverse ethnic groups, including the Akwapim, Larteh and Krobo people, and showcased elements of their languages and traditions.
The YPG group climaxed the performances with the Kete dance, with the ladies elegantly dressed in kente cloth, performing graceful dance steps that drew cheers and applause from the congregation.
Miss Adwoa Nyamekye Appiah, the Secretary of the YPG, gave an exhortation on the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage: Building on the Foundation Already Laid as Youth,” and encouraged the youth to dedicate their lives to the service of God, while upholding Ghanaian cultural values.
She urged young people to build upon the foundations laid by previous generations and contribute positively to both church and national development.
GNA
