Traditional Music and Dance Used for Healing – Danish Ambassador Reveals
Ghana’s rich traditional music and dance are not only cultural treasures but also powerful healing tools.
The Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, His Excellency Jakob Linulf, has disclosed that Ghanaian traditional music and dance systems are being used as therapeutic tools to help heal various health conditions, including depression, frustration, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other related ailments.
He made this revelation while speaking at the inauguration of the Africa Footprint Rehabilitation Centre at Addison Square in Cape Coast.
According to His Excellency Linulf, research and practical experiences supported by partners in Denmark have shown that traditional African rhythms, movement, and cultural expressions play a significant role in mental and physical rehabilitation. He noted that music and dance stimulate both the brain and body, promoting emotional balance, coordination, and overall well-being.
“Ghana’s rich traditional music and dance are not only cultural treasures but also powerful healing tools. They help patients regain confidence, mobility, and mental stability, especially those battling depression, neurological conditions, and post-stroke complications,” the ambassador stated.
He commended the Africa Footprint Foundation for integrating indigenous knowledge into modern rehabilitation practices and encouraged stronger collaboration between traditional culture and healthcare systems.
The event was attended by 20 students, four teachers, and the Head of the Board of Africa Footprint Foundation Denmark, Mrs. Maj Moreen Stone. Mrs. Stone, in her remarks, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting inclusive rehabilitation initiatives that blend culture, education, and health.
She emphasized that the newly inaugurated centre would serve as a safe and innovative space for therapy, learning, and cultural exchange, particularly for vulnerable individuals in society.
The inauguration marked a significant milestone in efforts to promote holistic healthcare through culturally grounded rehabilitation approaches in Ghana.
By Philip Mensah and Frank Asorba Kofi Essuman
