The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, recently met with the IMANI Center for Policy and Education team at the Ministry. The team, led by Franklin Cudjoe, included Selorm Branttie, Kay Codjoe, and Meme Princess Umul Hatiyya. During the meeting, Gomashie highlighted the Ministry's work, its achievements, and future plans. She emphasized the need for increased investment in Ghana's cultural heritage, creative industries, and tourism infrastructure to drive economic growth and create jobs.
Gomashie showcased Ghana's rich cultural heritage, including Kente, Fugu, Highlife Music and Dance, Gastronomy, and Festivals, as potential attractions for visitors and business opportunities. She also discussed ongoing efforts to restore selected forts and castles, strengthen cultural preservation, protect intellectual property, and promote Ghanaian creativity globally. The Minister's presentation provided valuable insights into the Ministry's scope of work and future projections.
The IMANI team expressed gratitude for the Ministry's openness and willingness to collaborate. Franklin Cudjoe, speaking on behalf of the delegation, thanked Gomashie for the engagement, which explored opportunities for policy research and collaboration to support evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development in the tourism, culture, and creative sector. This meeting marked a significant step towards fostering a partnership between IMANI and the Ministry.
The engagement between IMANI and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts aimed to promote sustainable development and economic growth through cultural preservation and creative industries. By working together, both parties hope to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and showcase Ghana's rich cultural heritage to the world. This collaboration has the potential to drive positive change and promote Ghana's development.
Ghana is set to host the Africa Festival of Arts, Culture and Creatives (AFESTAC) 2026 and Industrial Skills Week Africa (ISWA) 2026 in Accra from December 9 to 12, 2026. Minister Gomashie has called on corporate Ghana, the media, and the general public to support the initiative through partnerships, sponsorships, and active participation. The events, supported by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), will celebrate Africa's rich cultural heritage and promote industrial skills development.
The Africa Festival of Arts, Culture and Creatives (AFESTAC) 2026 and Industrial Skills Week Africa (ISWA) 2026 will bring together stakeholders to promote Africa's cultural heritage, strengthen the creative economy, and create employment opportunities for young people. These events have the potential to drive economic growth, promote cultural exchange, and showcase Ghana's rich cultural heritage.
The visit by the IMANI Center for Policy and Education team and the upcoming AFESTAC and ISWA events demonstrate the Ministry's commitment to collaboration, sustainable development, and cultural preservation. By working together with stakeholders, the Ministry aims to promote Ghana's development and showcase its rich cultural heritage to the world.
Key points
- The IMANI Center for Policy and Education team met with Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie to discuss collaboration and sustainable development in the tourism, culture, and creative sector.
