TIG Post

Tag: heritage

  • We must protect our heritage, culture amidst AI growth – National Commission on Culture and Arts

    We must protect our heritage, culture amidst AI growth – National Commission on Culture and Arts

    Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture and Arts under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, has emphasized the importance of safeguarding Ghanaian culture, literature, and heritage in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    He highlighted that preserving the country’s culture and traditional heritage is crucial for national development and transformation.

    Speaking at the launch of the 21st Ghana International Book Fair 2024, themed “Books and Culture in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” Nana Owoahene emphasized that AI is revolutionizing various aspects of life, leading to both excitement and apprehension about the future.

    He noted that while AI offers opportunities for advancement, it should not replace human intellect. Instead, he encouraged creativity and innovation to enhance our capabilities and unlock our true creative potential as individuals and as a nation.

  • Nelson Mandela auction: South Africa aims to stop sale due to dispute about heritage

    Nelson Mandela auction: South Africa aims to stop sale due to dispute about heritage

    The government of South Africa is trying to prevent a controversial sale of 70 personal items that belonged to Nelson Mandela, who fought against apartheid.

    They have hearing aids, an ID card, presents from world leaders, and some of the clothes worn by the first democratic president, like his “Madiba” shirts.

    Makaziwe Mandela, the oldest daughter, is selling the items in the US.

    However, the government of South Africa says that the items belong to the country.

    Under the law in South Africa, things that are considered part of the country’s history and culture cannot be taken out of the country.

    The South African Heritage Resources Agency, which is responsible for protecting the country’s history and culture, said it has asked to stop the sale.

    The appeal got help from the ministry of sports, arts and culture. Minister Zizi Kodwa supports the case to protect the country’s important history.

    He said stopping the sale was important because Mandela is a big part of South Africa’s history.

    It is important to keep alive the memory of former President Mandela and make sure that future generations in the country learn from his example.

    The government did not approve of the auction when it was first announced in 2021. They said that some of the things being sold were important to our country.

    So, the first auction that was supposed to happen in 2022 was cancelled and then there was a two-year fight in court.

    Last month, the High Court in Pretoria said Ms Mandela can sell the items, even though the government said they are important to the country.

    Mr Kodwa says the auction should not happen because Sahra and the culture ministry want to appeal the decision from last month. They say the items were not allowed to be taken out of the country to be shown or sold.

    The auction is supposed to start on January 22, but we don’t know if the government’s appeal will stop it.

    The New York-based Guernsey’s auction house has already put the items up for sale. The hearing aids could sell for up to $20,000 and one shirt might sell for up to $70,000.

    Ms Mandela and others in the Mandela family and the Nelson Mandela Foundation have not given their thoughts on the government’s latest opposition.

    She said that the money from the auction will be used to create a special garden to remember Mandela, close to where he is buried.

    The auction in South Africa has made a lot of people upset. Some think the government should not sell the valuable items.

    But some people think that Mandela’s family should decide about the issue.

    Mandela passed away in 2013 when he was 95 years old. He was the leader of the African National Congress and fought against a system called apartheid, where racism was allowed by the law. He was in prison for 27 years.

    He was chosen as the first president of South Africa in 1994 through a fair voting process.