Ghana is set to revitalize its cultural landscape with an overhaul of the National Cultural Policy.
The current policy, dating back to 2004, has become outdated in light of rapid technological advancements and evolving societal needs.
With funding from UNESCO and the European Union, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is leading the initiative to modernize the policy and align it with contemporary development trends.
Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, characterized by its diverse ethnic groups, languages, and artistic expressions, is a cornerstone of the nation’s identity.
To ensure broad-based input, the Ministry convened a validation workshop at the Accra International Conference Centre[AICC] on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, bringing together key stakeholders from the creative industries, civil society, academia, and traditional authorities. Participants discussed the draft policy and provided valuable feedback.
Present at the workshop included Mr. H.E. Edward Mukala, UNESCO Country Representative, Ms. Margo Pitura, the European Union representative, representatives of the Spanish, Mexican, Republic of Suadi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Embassies in Ghana, and the Deputy Minister for Creative Arts Mark Okraku Mantey.
Key objectives of the new policy include:
I. Prioritize the protection, conservation and promotion of Ghana’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
II. Encourage the growth and sustainability of Ghana’s creative industries, such as music, film, fashion, visual arts, crafts and performing arts.
III. Emphasized the integration of cultural education into formal and informal learning systems.
IV. Facilitate cultural exchange programs, collaborations and partnerships with other nations.
V. Enhance indigenous technology promotion of traditional medicine.
VI. Incorporation of cultural inputs in the governance system
Representatives from UNESCO and the European Union expressed their support for Ghana’s efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage.
Watch excerpts of the Workshop below
They emphasized the role of culture in driving sustainable development and economic growth.
The revised National Cultural Policy is expected to be unveiled later this year.
