Theft creates ‘significant challenge’ for Ghana pavilion at Winnipeg’s Folklorama

The Ghana pavilion at Winnipeg's upcoming Folklorama festival is pushing forward with its cultural showcase despite a significant setback: the overnight theft of essential performance attire and national team jerseys.

Organizers reported that an employee's car was broken into on Wednesday, with all the youth cultural dance attire for this year's performances stolen. The items, which included 25 jerseys for Ghana's national soccer team, the Black Stars, were reportedly in black storage bins with yellow lids. Other stolen items comprised 40 sets for the Makola Market dance, 10 sets for the children's dance, and 25 sets for the youth dance.

Despite the theft, which co-ordinator Abigail Larson described as a "significant challenge," the pavilion remains determined to present Ghana's vibrant culture, music, dance, and traditions. "Our performers have worked too hard to be discouraged. No matter the circumstances, our show will go on," Larson stated in a social media post. The festival is scheduled to run from August 2 to 8.

Folklorama and the Ghana pavilion have jointly appealed for community support, requesting donations of fabric, sewers, soccer jerseys and shorts, or monetary contributions to purchase replacements. The Winnipeg Police Service confirmed it received a report of the theft and that the property crime unit is investigating.

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Although this theft has created a significant challenge, we remain committed to sharing Ghana’s vibrant culture, music, dance, and traditions with Winnipeg. Our performers have worked too hard to be discouraged. No matter the circumstances, our show will go on.