Legendary Ghanaian actor and journalist, Fritz Baffour has stated that Ghanaians tend to celebrate individuals who have not achieved much rather than honoring our cultural icons.

According to him, quite a number of people  focus more on politics and other trivial matters than on recognizing the good people among us.

Fritz Baffour made these remarks during an interview with Citi TV at a press event held on May 31, 2024, in anticipation of the James Barnor 95 Festival scheduled for June 6.

James Barnor, a Ghanaian photographer, was the first photographer-journalist to collaborate with The Daily Graphic, a publication by London’s Daily Mirror Group. The esteemed photographer will be commemorated at the James Barnor 95 Festival which begins from May 28 – August 30, 2024.

Fritz Baffour expressed his belief that James Barnor has not received the recognition he deserves in Ghana. He emphasized that Ghanaians often prioritize politics and materialism over celebrating individuals who have contributed significantly to our culture.

The former Minister for Information further highlighted the importance of acknowledging and celebrating our cultural icons, stating that Ghana’s identity is deeply rooted in its people, culture, and traditions. He criticized the tendency to glorify individuals who have not made substantial achievements, while neglecting those who have positively represented Ghana on the global stage. 

“Ghanaians we have not celebrated our icons enough. We turn out to be more concerned about politics and other mundane matters than celebrating the good that we have…This is a great country…When you talk about Ghana you talk about the people…we talk about what we have, culture, our traditions that is Ghana, so when we have people who are highlighting that very powerful part of us, we have to celebrate them”.

“But we don’t…we celebrate fools, foolish people…people who have not achieved anything, we celebrate people who are like fireflies. Instead, people who shine the light all their lives like this man who is 95 years old and is still talking and encouraging people to do the right are not celebrated”.

He urged Ghanaians to embrace a sense of unity and pride in their heritage, emphasizing the need to overcome political divisions and work together towards a common goal.

The James Barnor 95 Festival serves as a platform to celebrate and honor Ghanaian culture.