Terabuuriyele, a not-for-profit organization with branches all over Ghana and abroad with the aim to promote and preserve the Farefari Culture has set out to establish a cultural Village and a radio station.
The Cultural Village will house a museum that will contain various items, arts, and artifacts that depict the culture and lives of the people of the Upper East Region and the Farefari enclave.
It would also host a traditional guest house with various local cuisines and a radio station that would afford the organization the opportunity to educate residents through various programs in the local language.
Concerned about the waning appreciation of the things that identify a group of people including language, dressing, and performance of funerals, leaders of the organization say they would use the platform the Cultural Village will offer to educate the people.
As part of efforts to raise funds for the project, Terabuuriyele on December 26, 2024, held its National Congress and Fundraising event in Bolgatanga.
Speaking to Dreamz News, Rev Simon Apenuure Ayariga, who was sworn in with eight (8) others as new executives, expressed optimism that the Cultural Village will represent the identity and face of culture in the Upper East Region.
“We want to build a Cultural Village. That is where we are going to keep our tradition. Something like a museum when we go there, you will see everything from the north, that represents our culture. We will build a radio station where we will talk about how we do our funerals, our naming, and other issues,” he stated.
He is worried about the rising cost of funerals in the Upper East Region and the Farefari enclave.
According to Rev. Apenuure Ayariga, funerals have become expensive and gradually heightening poverty levels in this part of the country. He argued that funerals used not to be expensive.
He is concerned about the introduction of beer, funeral attire, and preparation of different dishes as though one had attended a party that came with a bouquet thereby, increasing the cost of funerals and deepening poverty levels.
“A lot has changed about our funerals. In the olden days, funerals were not as expensive. If you look at it, they did not add beer, funeral clothes, or serving of food in packs among others. These are the things that are bringing cost to us and we need to change.” He stressed.
The National Secretary of Terabuuriyele, Diana Asamane, affectionately called Lady D, urged parents, especially women to help their children to learn more about their culture, speak their local language and know more about themselves since they spend more time with them than the men.
In all, nine (9) individuals were sworn in to lead the organization. They are Rev. Simon Apenuure Ayariga, as National Chairman; Thomas Akurugu Nyaaba, Vice Chairman; Diana Asamane, Secretary; Robert Asaa Atalebe, Deputy Secretary, and Ibrahim Akuta, Organizer.
The other Executives are, John Aduko Akampale, Treasurer; Justine Justice Apegase Atarah, Financial Secretary; Rev. George Anafo, Educationist and John Akakiri Ayambire, Deputy Educationist.
