The Black Star Experience Secretariat, led by coordinator Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo, recently engaged stakeholders and partners in Ghana's Western and Central Regions. The engagements, held on September 30 and October 2, respectively, aimed to broaden the scope and impact of the Black Star Experience. The events brought together Members of Parliament, municipal and district officials, traditional leaders, creatives, and other key stakeholders. The theme of the engagements was "Enhancing National Understanding and Ownership of the Black Star Experience."
During the engagements, Mr. Marfo expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their support and cooperation. He emphasized that stakeholders are pivotal partners in the success of the Black Star Experience. The coordinator highlighted the significance of the engagement, outlining measures to ensure policy implementation. He also disclosed upcoming activities, including the Black Star Comedy Experience, Black Star Fashion Week and Summit, and the national choral contest. These activities are part of Ghana's national reset agenda, aimed at promoting cultural diversity.
The Western Regional engagement saw strong participation from key stakeholders, including chiefs, queen mothers, pastors, and faith-based representatives. Heads and representatives of choral groups from across the region attended, demonstrating interest and support for the national choral music initiative. Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, commended the secretariat, noting that the Black Star Experience offers Ghana a platform to tell its own story. He stressed that national ownership is crucial to its success.
Hon. Nelson further emphasized that the initiative goes beyond tourism, promoting national unity, patriotism, and collective belonging. He called for stakeholder ownership, involving government, MMDAs, traditional authorities, the private sector, and the media. The Regional Minister highlighted the Western Region's rich contribution to Ghana's cultural heritage, including traditional institutions, festivals, music, cuisine, and creative talents.
The Central Regional engagement, held on October 2, brought together a broad range of key stakeholders, including Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Mayor, Members of Parliament, and representatives of the National Commission on Culture. The Regional Chairman of the Musicians Union of Ghana, Clarence Kenneth Ekow Pieterson, was also present. The engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to support the objectives of the Black Star Experience and the national choral music contest.
The Black Star Choral Music Contest is a signature project under the Music Pillar of the Black Star Experience. The contest aims to discover, develop, and promote exceptional choral music talents from every region of Ghana. The competition will begin at the regional level, with choral groups competing to represent their regions at the national finals in Accra. The initiative seeks to create a sustainable national platform celebrating choral music as an important component of Ghana's cultural identity.
The Black Star Experience Secretariat's engagements and the national choral contest are expected to foster national unity, cultural pride, and creative excellence. The initiative provides an opportunity for participants to gain exposure, improve their artistic skills, and contribute to the promotion of Ghanaian music and culture on both national and international stages. Key stakeholders are backing the initiative, which is seen as a vehicle for talent development, cultural preservation, and creative industry growth.
Key points
- The Black Star Experience Secretariat has engaged stakeholders in Ghana's Western and Central Regions to promote the initiative and announce a national choral contest.
- The national choral contest aims to discover, develop, and promote exceptional choral music talents from every region of Ghana.
- The initiative seeks to foster national unity, cultural pride, and creative excellence, while promoting Ghanaian music and culture on both national and international stages.
