The Black Star Experience initiative in Ghana must evolve beyond its association with football to become a shared national identity rooted in the country's culture, creativity, heritage, and way of life. According to Rex Owusu Marfo, Head Coordinator and Presidential Staffer for the Black Star Experience Secretariat, this can only be achieved when Ghanaians understand, embrace, and actively participate in it. He made this call at a stakeholders' engagement in Takoradi on September 30, 2026.
The stakeholders' engagement, themed "Enhancing National Understanding and Ownership of the Black Star Experience," aimed to promote the initiative and encourage participation from various stakeholders. Mr. Owusu Marfo emphasized that the vision of the Black Star Experience is far bigger than any individual and belongs to the people of Ghana. The Secretariat operates from the Office of the President at Jubilee House and collaborates with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.
The Black Star Experience initiative is part of the broader Reset agenda and seeks to influence national attitudes, habits, and consciousness. It is built around seven pillars: Cinema, Audio, Cuisine, Aesthetics, Style, Literature, and Heritage. These pillars encompass various aspects of Ghanaian culture, including film and storytelling, music and comedy, food, arts and design, fashion, literature, history, and cultural heritage. The initiative aims to strengthen and connect existing programs, such as the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, and PANAFEST.
Mr. Owusu Marfo stressed the importance of promoting Ghanaian cuisine as part of the effort to strengthen the country's cultural identity. He questioned why international foods have achieved global recognition while local dishes, such as kelewele and gobɛ, remain less prominent internationally. The seven pillars provide a framework for developing a distinctive Ghanaian experience and expanding the country's participation in the global creative and cultural economy.
The Black Star Experience initiative has received support from Regional Ministers, MPs, and MMDCEs, who have been urged to contribute through community engagement, advocacy, and investment in festivals, tourism sites, education, and creative activities. Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson noted that the initiative presents an opportunity for the region to showcase its cultural, tourism, and creative assets, including traditional institutions, festivals, music, cuisine, crafts, coastline, historical sites, and mining and fishing heritage.
The Western Regional Coordinating Council will work with the Black Star Experience Secretariat, MMDAs, traditional authorities, businesses, and communities to identify and develop assets that can contribute to the national platform. Mr. Nelson emphasized the importance of well-maintained destinations, quality hospitality, accurate information, and respect for cultural heritage. He also called for the involvement of young musicians, filmmakers, designers, fashion entrepreneurs, writers, chefs, artisans, and digital creators in presenting Ghanaian stories to contemporary audiences.
Ultimately, the success of the Black Star Experience initiative depends on the active participation and ownership of Ghanaians. Mr. Owusu Marfo emphasized that the Black Star represents every Ghanaian who contributes to national development, and that Ghanaians must first understand, value, and own the initiative for it to resonate. The initiative aims to create a shared national identity that showcases Ghana's rich cultural heritage and creative potential.
Key points
- The Black Star Experience initiative must move beyond football to become a national identity rooted in Ghana's culture, creativity, heritage, and way of life.
- The initiative is built around seven pillars, including Cinema, Audio, Cuisine, Aesthetics, Style, Literature, and Heritage.
- The success of the initiative depends on the active participation and ownership of Ghanaians.
