The Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi has provided insight into the authority's active involvement in promoting the Chale Wote Street Art Festival.

He emphasised that the Chale Wote festival enables the GTA to showcase Ghana's cultural heritage and celebrate aspects that hold significance for the African community.

Speaking in an interview on Joy Prime on Friday, August 25, Mr Kusi noted that there are numerous opportunities associated with the festival, particularly in engaging the youth and propelling the festival's significance internationally.

“There is a lot in terms of employment, in terms of revenue, in terms of artist collaboration and all that so these are the reasons why you realise that we [Ghana Tourism Authority] came on board and then pushing the agenda,” he said.

The GTA Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs said that Ghanaians have always appreciated their cultural values and principles, saying if the country continues with its domestic tourism, then there is a chance to promote the Chale Wote Street Art Festival in terms of international tourism.

He maintained that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the GTA have put together events and activities that will help boost the industry and draw hundreds of diasporans to the country.

Mr Kusi explained that the Chale Wote Street Art Festival provides a platform to present Ghanaian culture on the global stage, echoing the success of initiatives like the Year of Return in 2019.

“In the year 2019, we had what we call the Year of Return. Now we have Beyond the Return and then Destination Ghana Project.

“Year of Return, we had a number of diasporans, a number of people of African descent, tourists, visitors coming into the country. They came in for our music - that is what Chale Wote gives. They come in for our arts, our creative arts, and then also our music and culture,” Mr Kusi said.

He stressed that the Chale Wote festival is a magnet for tourists interested in Ghana's arts, music, and culture, adding that GTA's commitment to promoting the festival is aimed at attracting more tourists and ensuring a comprehensive celebration of the festival.

“That is why in recent times, Ghana has been on the international stage for various good reasons. And this is what the Ghana Tourism Authority is promoting out there in order to bring in more tourists so that we can have a holistic Chale Wote festival celebration.”