Government has launched a storytelling series, dubbed “By the Fire Side” with support from the National Folklore Board (NFB).

"By the Fire Side" storytelling series is an initiative aimed at celebrating Ghana's rich oral traditions; an event that will be held every second Friday of every month.

Speaking at the launch on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the Executive Director of the NFB, Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, said the initiative will go beyond celebrating rich Ghanaian cultures as will serve as a catalyst for unity among communities.

“Each session will feature stories from the diverse regions of Ghana, told in local languages to reflect the cultural and linguistic richness of all sixteen regions. Through this initiative, communities will reconnect with their heritage while fostering pride in indigenous knowledge systems. This will also be a platform for the Board to help communities document and archive their indigenous stories, folktales, myths, and legends,” she explained

According to the Executive Director, storytelling offers great benefits for children, serving as one of the most effective and traditional methods of learning.

“Through storytelling, children are motivated to listen to others. They learn to be more patient and to let others speak, and begin to open their minds to other people's opinions. It is a good way to prepare your children for school because it makes learning easier and more natural. It also improves a child's concentration, which is a plus for academic success,” she said.

She also pointed out that the “By the Fire Side” initiative aligns with the government's “Black Star Experience Agenda” because it will help children rediscover and celebrate Ghana’s cultural identity through oral traditions.

In the same vein President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, May 1, launched the Black Star Experience in a bid to establish Ghana as a leading tourist destination in Africa.

The Black Star Experience is the government's flagship culture, arts, and tourism brand to make Ghana a preferred tourism destination.

It comes to fulfil one of President Mahama's promises during the campaign which was included in his 120-Day Social Contract with Ghanaians.

The Blackstar Experience is a year-round celebration in all the major entertainment, artistic and educational disciplines.

The Pan African Month, Celebrating Heritage, History and Diaspora Engagement, The Ghana Film Festival and Awards Month, Ghana Music World, Culinary Month, Architecture, Design, Arts and Crafts, Fashion and Textiles Month and Literacy/Literary Month all forms part of activities lined up for the celebration.

During the launch, President Mahama said the Black Star Experience was about rekindling a sense of national identity, showcasing Ghana’s heritage and harnessing the full power of its cultural, creative and tourism sectors.

He explained that this was not just about introducing a brand. It is about Ghana’s story and presents a renewed, confident image of a bold, vibrant, and resilient nation to the world.

Adding that the Black Star Experience, serves as a statement that Ghana is the beating heart of Africa’s cultural and creative scene.

"We're determined to redefine how the world sees us and more importantly how we see ourselves," he stated.

The President stated that Ghana must be recognised not only for its historic achievements, but also for its dynamic present and limitless future.

He said a powerful legacy had shaped the nation from the enduring kingdoms of Akwamun, Dagbon and Ashanti to the fearless pan-Africanist leadership of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, whose vision of African unity still inspires generations.

"And yet for too long we have under-invested in what makes Ghana truly exceptional. That is our culture, our creativity, our warmth and the way of life. And that must change," he said.

President Mahama said the Black Star Experience was the government solemn pledge to rebrand Ghana and showcase to the world the brilliance of the country's festivals, the rhythm of music, the beauty of fashion, the power of films, the richness of cuisine, the wisdom in storytelling and the unmatched warmth of the people.

Secondly, he said the launch would create jobs, empower millions of young Ghanaians, particularly women, by unlocking opportunities in the creative and tourism industries, nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation and creating sustainable livelihoods.

The President said the Blackstar Experience initiative would also draw in global investment and forge new pathways for inclusive growth and prosperity, thereby positioning Ghana as Africa's premier destination for cultural tourism and creative collaboration.

"Let it be known that the Black Star Experience is not a one-off event. It is a 365-day celebration of Ghanaian ingenuity and excellence," President Mahama said.

He said that through the Black Star Experience, the creative energy of the Ghanaian people would radiate daily from every region and every community.

"Imagine the majestic rhythms of the Hogbetsotso Festival in Anlo, the electrifying art of the Chale Wote Festival right here near the Black Star Square, the dazzling colours of Fetu Afahye in Cape Coast broadcast to global audiences, the Odwira Festivals of Akwapim and Ashanti, Aboakyer Festival of the people of Efutu, Homowo of the people of Ga, and the Bugum Festivals of the Dagbon people,” he said.

President Mahama added, "Imagine if the Kente weavers of Bonwire were celebrated as national treasures, and Kumawood and Gallywood filmmakers were dazzling international screens, with world-class studios stretching from Accra to Takoradi."

"And let us be reminded of the words of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He says we face neither east nor west. In Ghana, we face forward," he said.

"The Black Star Experience is that forward that Nkrumah talked about. It is our pride. It is our legacy. It is our future. And let's make it legendary."

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ablah Dzifa Gomashie, said the Blackstar Experience was pivotally designed as a stimulus that moved the nation's creative impulses and culture from the fringes to the center of national development.

The Presidential Staffer and Co-ordinator of the Blackstar Experience, Rex Omar, said the launch of the Blackstar Experience meant that they were going to rebrand Ghana to align with the world's 20 most successful countries in tourism.

"Together we can unlock the full potential of Ghana's creative economy. As we launch the Black Star Experience, I urge every Ghanaian, young and old, to embrace this vision."