The British Council, led by International Development Expert Nii Doodo Dodoo, paid a working visit to Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to discuss potential collaborations aimed at boosting the country’s cultural heritage and creative economy.
The visit centered on strengthening ties to support Ghana’s creative arts and harness the potential of tourism as a key economic driver. During the meeting, Hon. Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie expressed her gratitude for the British Council’s longstanding commitment to Ghana’s arts and culture sectors.
She highlighted under-supported areas such as gastronomy, crafts, dance, and painting, noting that these creative avenues possess vast potential for promoting Ghana’s cultural identity globally. “Ghana is not short on talent, but we need targeted training that equips creatives to thrive on the global stage,” the Minister remarked. She also stressed the importance of properly training tour guides to deliver historically accurate and engaging storytelling.
Mr. Dodoo, who shared fond memories of his early days as a tour guide in Ghana, described the visit as a “homecoming.” He reaffirmed the British Council’s active role in Ghana for over 80 years, especially in the arts and education sectors. The team expressed particular interest in supporting the Black Star Experience—a national initiative aimed at amplifying Ghana’s cultural story to the world.
Drawing from the UK’s model, Mr. Dodoo highlighted tourism’s major contribution to the British economy—approximately £16 billion annually, supporting around one million jobs. He suggested that Ghana could adopt similar strategies to enhance its tourism and cultural sectors.
The discussion also addressed the importance of equipping young artists with entrepreneurial skills to better monetize their creativity. The British Council reiterated its readiness to promote cultural exchange and to support Ghana’s creative industries through strategic partnerships.
Hon. Gomashie emphasized the need for quality and consistency in Ghanaian artistic products. She shared a personal anecdote, noting that carvings she traded in the 1980s still remain intact today—unlike recent gifts from other countries, which have not stood the test of time. “Policy must shift mindsets and ensure that our cultural exports reflect quality and longevity,” she said.
This engagement signifies a meaningful step toward enhancing collaboration between Ghana and the UK in developing the nation’s tourism, culture, and creative arts sectors.