I joined the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, together with traditional leaders, creatives, development partners, members of the diplomatic community, and stakeholders to launch Ghana’s Revised National Cultural Policy.
The launch signals Ghana’s efforts to protect, promote, and preserve our rich cultural heritage while strengthening the cultural and creative industries as drivers of national development. The policy recognizes culture as a tool for inclusive growth, job creation, education, social cohesion, and economic transformation. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an Africa with a strong cultural identity, shared heritage, values, and ethics.
Addressing the gathering, I noted that the policy builds on Ghana’s global leadership, demonstrated through our successful efforts at the United Nations to secure the landmark resolution recognizing the gravity of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
In an increasingly interconnected world, cultural intelligence and language preservation remain essential. By promoting multilingualism and strengthening our cultural institutions, we ensure that Ghanaian perspectives, values, and experiences continue to be respected globally and relevant domestically.
It was an occasion to celebrate achievements, such as the inscription of Kente as a Geographical Indication and the international recognition of Highlife music. I also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of our family in the Diaspora, whose talents, investments, advocacy, and cultural connections continue to enrich our creative economy.
I thanked UNESCO, the European Union, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and all who have supported Ghana’s cultural agenda over the years. As Ghana moves into the implementation phase of the revised policy, it is important that we all work together to unlock the full potential of our culture and creativity.