Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism unveils strategy to integrate culture, creative arts into national tourism agenda

GHANA – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has announced a renewed strategy aimed at repositioning the country’s tourism sector through the full integration of culture and creative arts into its national tourism agenda.

The initiative was outlined by sector Minister Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie during a fact-finding tour of the Volta Region on May 24, marking the Ministry’s first official visit under its new leadership.

The tour included visits to key sites such as the majestic Wli Waterfalls, the unique Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, and several traditional cultural centres, providing the Minister and her team with firsthand insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.

These sites exemplify the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy that Ghana seeks to showcase as part of its repositioned tourism strategy.

Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie emphasized the importance of culture and the creative arts as vital pillars for sustainable tourism development, “Our vision is to create a tourism sector that not only attracts visitors but also celebrates and preserves Ghana’s diverse cultural heritage and artistic expressions.”

“By integrating these elements fully into our tourism agenda, we aim to enhance visitor experiences, promote local communities, and generate inclusive economic growth,” she stated.

The Ministry’s renewed strategy focuses on leveraging Ghana’s cultural assets to differentiate the country in the competitive global tourism market.

This includes promoting festivals, traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling as key attractions alongside natural and historical sites.

The approach also aims to empower local artists and cultural practitioners by creating platforms for their work to reach wider audiences, both domestically and internationally.

During the Volta Region tour, the Ministry engaged with local stakeholders, including community leaders, artisans, and tourism operators, to gather input and foster collaboration.

This participatory approach ensures that the strategy aligns with community needs and preserves the authenticity of Ghana’s cultural offerings.

The Ministry plans to roll out targeted marketing campaigns, infrastructure development, and capacity-building programs to support the integration of culture and creative arts into tourism.

Partnerships with private sector players, cultural institutions, and international organizations will be key to driving these initiatives forward.

This strategic shift aligns with Ghana’s broader national development goals, including job creation, poverty reduction, and cultural preservation.

By positioning culture and creative arts at the heart of tourism, Ghana aims to attract a diverse range of visitors seeking authentic and immersive experiences.

The Ministry’s leadership expressed optimism that this renewed focus will enhance Ghana’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination and contribute significantly to the country’s socio-economic progress.

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