Parables Studio Launches Ananse Heritage Project to promote Ghanaian folkore globally

Parables Animation Studio proudly hosted the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, at the launch of the Ananse Heritage Project. The event, coinciding with World Animation Day, took place at the Solaris Luxury Heights in Ridge and was themed “Reviving Ghana’s Timeless Folklore Legend Kweku Ananse as a Catalyst for Cultural and Educational Transformation.”

The program began with a journey through the studio's history, taking guests back to 2007 when Parables released Ghana's first animated feature film(unofficial), "Ananse Must Die." The team shared how a simple idea of repackaging 'By the Fireside' stories into animated contents sparked a journey that has evolved over the years, leading to the launch of the Ananse Heritage Project.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government, creative industries, education, and development sectors, including representatives from UNESCO, the National Film Authority, and the Folklore Board.

In her keynote address, read on her behalf by Mr. Divine Owusu-Ansah, Director of culture and creative arts at the ministry, the Minister praised the Ananse Heritage Project as a significant step toward reconnecting Ghanaian youth with the nation’s folklore traditions through innovative mediums. She commended Parables Animation Studio for spearheading the initiative, highlighting its potential to promote Ghana’s identity and creative economy.

Founder and CEO of Parables Animation Studio, Cycil Jones Abban, outlined the project’s components, emphasizing the need to preserve Ghana’s storytelling traditions while equipping young creators with the skills to tell local stories for global audiences.

Other notable speakers, including Prof. Kobby Mensah, Dr. Wale Okediran, Mr. Phil Philips, and H.E. Simone Giger, commended Parables Animation Studio for its visionary initiative and pledged their support.

The ceremony ended with the screening of pilot episodes of animated content, showcasing the project's potential to promote Ghanaian folklore and cultural heritage.