National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, is urging Ghanaians to adopt the practice of wearing traditional attire every Friday as part of efforts to promote and preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV, the former Odododiodio MP described himself as an “ambassador for Ghanaian culture and tradition,” encouraging others to proudly express their identity through what they wear.
“I have made myself an ambassador for our Ghanaian culture and tradition, and I think that if all of us can do it one way or the other, it will help,” he said.
Mr. Vanderpuye disclosed that he had recently engaged the Minister of Culture and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, Kobby Mensah, to discuss a proposal aimed at institutionalising a ‘Traditional Wear Friday’ across public and civil service institutions.
“Last week, I was talking to the Minister of Culture and also talked to Kobby Mensah, and I told them, ‘Why don’t we go back to every Friday, every woman, public service, civil service, government, everybody, all the women in kaba, all the men in traditional attire?” he stated.
Drawing parallels from other West African countries, Mr. Vanderpuye highlighted how such cultural practices are already a norm in places like Senegal and The Gambia, where national pride is reflected in their dress codes.
“If you go to Senegal, you go to Gambia; that is what they do. So it is important that we look at it,” he added.
He believes that adopting a nationwide traditional wear day will not only preserve Ghana’s cultural identity but also foster unity and pride among citizens.
Source: Adomonline