Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s cultural heritage and promoting the creative sector as a driver of national development.

She said Ghana’s cultural diversity, expressed through ethnic groups, languages, attire, cuisine, music, festivals and indigenous knowledge systems, remained a defining feature of national identity.

Madam Gomashie said this at the opening of the 2026 Ghana Culture Week celebration in Accra on the theme: “Resetting Ghana’s Tourism, Culture and Creative Ecosystem.”

She noted that February 14 had previously been set aside to celebrate cultural traditions, but the commemoration had evolved into National Culture Week, observed annually on March 14.

“Ghana Culture Week reminds us to be proud of our heritage and values such as respect, unity, hard work and community.

“The celebration highlights the importance of preserving traditions such as colourful kente and fugu fabrics, traditional drumming and indigenous festivals,” she said.

The Minister said government recognised the central role of culture in national development and was implementing policies to protect and promote the sector.

She announced that the President would soon launch the reviewed Ghana Cultural Policy to strengthen governance within cultural institutions and unlock opportunities in the creative industries.

Madam Gomashie said the policy would stimulate innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities for the youth.

She said the Ministry was also reviewing the governing laws of its agencies to ensure they remained modern and relevant.

The Minister said revitalising the cultural sector required collaboration among cultural practitioners, traditional authorities, the private sector and development partners.

She disclosed that efforts were underway to facilitate the return of illegally acquired Ghanaian artefacts.

“These objects embody the spirit, memory and identity of our people, and their return is essential to restoring the fullness of our cultural heritage,” she stated.

Madam Gomashie called on traditional rulers, researchers and stakeholders to support the identification and documentation of such artefacts.

She said next year’s celebration would be on a larger scale as Ghana marked 70 years of independence and urged institutions, including Parliament, to play key roles.

The Minister encouraged students to value the legacy of the nation’s forebears, noting that their contributions had shaped national consciousness and fostered pride, creativity and patriotism.

She expressed appreciation to development partners, including the European Union, UNESCO, ECOWAS, the African Union, the Governments of India and China, and Expertise France for their support.

Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said the Authority remained committed to promoting domestic tourism, cultural heritage and creative enterprise.

She announced the hosting of “Taste 69 at 69” as part of activities marking Ghana’s 69th Independence anniversary and Ghana Month celebrations, coinciding with Culture Week.

Mrs Houadjeto said the initiative would showcase 69 indigenous meals to promote Ghana’s culinary heritage and gastronomy tourism.

“As we celebrate 69 years of independence and reflect on the theme of resetting Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative ecosystem, let us remember that culture is our strength and heritage is our identity,” she said.

Mrs Houadjeto urged stakeholders to support efforts to commercialise indigenous cuisine and promote Ghana’s food culture globally, encouraging Ghanaians and visitors to experience the country through its food, culture and traditions during the celebration.