In Boffa, tradition is going digital. On Friday, 13 November, the prefecture of this town in Lower Guinea opened the third edition of its Tradition Days. This year’s theme is “safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage through digital tools”. The Guinean Press Agency (AGP) reported the news on Saturday.
The opening ceremony was held under the high patronage of the presidential family, represented by the Honourable Kadiatou Konaté, and drew a large crowd. Administrative and local authorities from both prefectures attended, along with their members of the National Assembly and officials from the Ministry of Culture.
This year Boffa chose Kankan as its guest of honour. The choice links Guinea’s coast to Upper Guinea, two regions with very different traditions. The prefect of Kankan, Colonel Mohamed Niang, thanked his hosts for the welcome given to his delegation. He praised an initiative that, in his words, brings people closer together.
For the prefect of Boffa, Colonel Mamadou Ciré Bah, the event strengthens fraternity and cultural exchange between communities. Both prefectures share the same goal: to protect their heritage and pass it on to younger generations. Digital tools fit that aim, since they make it possible to record, archive and share practices that for a long time were passed down by word of mouth alone.
The opening night ended with music and dance. Traditional troupes from Boffa and Kankan took turns on stage, and the festive mood set the tone for this new edition.