The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has called for the establishment of a dedicated school or academy to mentor young Ghanaians in highlife music, following the genre’s inscription as an intangible cultural heritage.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Chat on Saturday December 13, Edmond Moukala, Head of UNESCO in Ghana, stressed the need for a structured institution that would preserve the rich legacy of highlife while creating sustainable opportunities for the next generation of musicians and creatives.
According to Mr Moukala, highlife music is not only a cultural treasure but also an economic asset that can be harnessed to generate employment, promote tourism, and strengthen Ghana’s creative industry. He noted that an academy would provide young talents with mentorship, formal training, and access to the accumulated experience of veteran highlife musicians.
He further explained that UNESCO’s inscription of highlife music recognises its historical significance and its role in shaping Ghana’s identity. However, he cautioned that without deliberate efforts to pass on knowledge and skills, the genre risks losing relevance among younger audiences.
Mr Moukala called on stakeholders, including government agencies, cultural institutions, private investors, and industry players, to collaborate in creating platforms that will safeguard highlife music for future generations. He emphasised that such an initiative would not only protect Ghana’s musical heritage but also position the country as a hub for cultural education and innovation.
The discussion has reignited public conversation around the preservation of highlife music and the need for policies that support mentorship, education, and economic growth within Ghana’s creative arts sector.
Explore all the juicy entertainment news you desire with GhanaWeekend on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the GhanaWeekend channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJ31iEDTkK8wIHNj31A
