As government fights to decentralize its policy and programs across the country, Internal Affairs Minister Blamoh Nelson has disclosed that the government of Liberia, through his ministry, will invest significantly in the cultural awakening of the country in the next three years to come.

Minister Nelson said, “For too long, Liberia’s cultural performers and artists have been marginalized and reduced to social performers with little relevance and no benefits”.

Speaking at the week-long special Traditional Leaders’ Forum, held at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville outside Monrovia, Minister Nelson noted that this was due to Liberians’ low opinion of their own culture.

He said it was now time to change that mind-set towards the cultural norms and values of the Liberian society.

Minister Nelson used the occasion to praise Madam Kinnieh Tokpah, a cultural ballerina of the Bassa Ethnic Group, who thrilled the traditional leaders at the forum.

He told the gathering that he had first seen Madam Tokpah, perform at the Centennial Pavilion in Monrovia during President William V.S Tubman’s administration when he (Minister Nelson) was in the 8th Grade Class.
For her part, Madam Tokpah thanked Minister Nelson and his entire staff for her recognition and inclusion in the program.

She then broke down in tears and lamented that she has been performing for over 23 unbroken years now, but with little recognition and support by government and other stakeholders.

Madam Tokpah then appealed to Minister Nelson to use the occasion as the beginning of concern and support for cultural performers in the country.