By Abigail Arthur, Citinewsroom

 

Citi FM and Channel One  TV on Wednesday evening officially launched Heritage Month 2026, transforming the Channel One TV Gardens into a vibrant village square pulsating with music, dance, storytelling, and the rich aromas of Ghanaian cuisine.

The colourful ceremony set the tone for a month-long celebration of Ghana’s cultural diversity and enduring traditions.

Guests were ushered into an imaginative setting where dignitaries, performers, and patrons sat in a semicircle around the performance arena, evoking the intimacy of a traditional community gathering. Soft lantern light and earthy décor recreated the ambience of a village courtyard, while sleek LED screens subtly fused modern broadcast technology with indigenous aesthetics.

The evening began with soothing traditional melodies and a symbolic “walk into the village,” guided by narrators Apiorkor and Frema, who invited the audience to embrace the spirit and significance of Heritage Month.

The programme spotlighted the five pillars of Heritage Month, each brought to life through dramatic interpretation. Archival images of Ghana’s historic figures appeared alongside actors in traditional regalia, delivering stirring monologues that connected past and present.

Music and dance animated the night, with electrifying performances by the Emmanuel Dance Ensemble and the National Dance Company, thrilling both the live audience and viewers at home.

Storytelling and language took centre stage when Abrewa, Dr. Sarah Dogbadzi, performed The Story Ananse Told, weaving Ghana’s oral tradition into the evening through engaging call-and-response exchanges.

Culinary heritage was celebrated in grand style as Head of TV Programmes Production Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey showcased iconic Ghanaian dishes, including Tuo Zaafi, Banku, Kpokpoi, Hausa Koko, Palm Wine, and Akpeteshie.

Selected guests including former GIPC Boss, Yofi Grant, sampled the delicacies in a visually engaging presentation that honoured Ghana’s diverse food culture.

The celebration reached an emotional high with a stirring spoken word performance by Nana Asaase, who paid homage to Ghana’s historical landmarks, land, and collective memory, seamlessly tying together themes of identity and heritage.

The launch also unveiled a lineup of flagship activities for Heritage Month 2026, including the Heritage On-Air Series, the Heritage Caravan, and the Back to Your Village Food Festival — initiatives designed to carry the celebration into communities across the country throughout March.

Now firmly established as a signature cultural observance by Citi FM and Channel One TV, Heritage Month continues to spotlight Ghana’s traditions while drawing participation from cultural groups, businesses, traditional authorities, and the wider public.

This year’s edition promises an immersive nationwide journey through the history, music, cuisine, and artistry that define the Ghanaian experience.