Tourism Minister commends Africa Arts Network for promoting Ghana’s creative sector

Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has commended a visiting delegation from the Africa Arts Network (AAN) for their commitment to promoting Ghana’s cultural and creative landscape. 

During an interaction with the delegation in Accra, the Minister praised the group for their passion, consistency and dedication to theatre productions, cultural programming and innovative creative experiences. 

She said the creative sector continued to produce resilient and talented individuals committed to nurturing Ghana’s identity through the arts, and encouraged them to formalise their proposals to enhance collaboration with the Ministry. 

Madam Gomashie said while the Ministry remained open and supportive of creative initiatives, formal documentation was critical to ensuring proposals received the necessary attention and follow-up. 

She said the Ministry handled numerous engagements daily and that written submissions provided the structure required for effective tracking, review and decision-making. 

“Once your ideas are written and submitted, it allows us to track, minute and respond properly. Oficial communication is very important for proposals, invitations, budget requests and partnership engagements.” 

The Minister encouraged the Africa Arts Network to formally submit its plans, particularly regarding a major theatre event scheduled for March 7 and 8, 2026, for the Ministry’s consideration. 

She reassured the delegation that the Ministry recognised the value of their work and the potential of theatre to contribute significantly to national cultural development. 

Touching on broader sector concerns, Madam Gomashie referenced the recently announced budgetary allocation for the creative arts, saying modalities for disbursement were progressing steadily. 

She urged creative stakeholders to remain patient as structures were being put in place to ensure transparent and equitable support across the sector. 

She also encouraged the Network to continue showcasing Ghanaian creativity and to allow innovation to drive new opportunities for collaboration. 

She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of the creative arts sector as a key pillar of national culture and tourism. 

Mr. Kofi Youngman, Leader of the delegation, expressed appreciation to the Minister for honouring an earlier invitation to a preview performance and reaffirmed their commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable theatre ecosystem in Ghana. 

He outlined ambitious plans for large-scale productions, including a proposed “Black Star” theatre production at Independence Square, and reiterated their readiness to collaborate closely with the Ministry to elevate Ghanaian theatre. 

The group also appealed for the Ministry’s guidance and support in projecting their initiatives onto national and international platforms, citing exploratory engagements with defence and diplomatic partners to expand cultural exchanges. 

Source: GNA