By: Rebecca Ampah
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, has called for stronger support for Ghana’s creative industry, emphasizing its potential to boost national pride and economic growth. She made the call during the launch of Ghana Must Go, a stage play by Latif Abubakar, in Accra.
Reflecting on her journey as an artist and politician, Madam Dzifa Gomashie highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent, recalling how, as a child, she often wondered if those around her recognized her potential. “When I had opportunities, I took them, even if it meant performing to just two people in a room. I made sure to show up,” she said, encouraging young creatives to seize every opportunity to showcase their skills.
She lauded young creatives like Latif Abubakar for their innovative contributions, emphasizing that creativity is not a fallback but a conscious career choice driven by passion and training. She acknowledged the works of sculptors, painters, and performers who are making their mark locally and internationally, adding, “There is no shortage of creativity in this country.”
However, she stressed that while Ghana’s creative talent is abundant, the industry lacks the business structure needed to package and commercialize its products effectively.
“What we don’t have is the business side of it , how to take what is created and make the world appreciate it and want to pay money for it,” she remarked.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of Ghana’s cultural identity, urging Ghanaians to embrace and celebrate their heritage. “Looking away from our culture and appreciating other people’s cultures more than ours has slowed our progress,” she noted.
The Minister further elaborated on the government’s vision to position Ghana as a premier destination for tourism and investment in Africa, leveraging cultural elements like storytelling, gastronomy, and traditional performances. She called on corporate entities to support such initiatives, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the creative arts and economic growth.
The Tourism Minister urged corporate Ghana and the general public to invest in the creative arts, support local talent, and help project Ghana’s unique culture to the world. “We need you. You need us. Partner with us as sponsors for both local and international events,” she urged.
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“Ghana Must Go”, a Latif Abubakar stage play, officially launched