The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, has commended the dedication of Rastafari community leaders, artists, and activists during the recently concluded 10th National Rastafari Conference. Delivering a speech on her behalf at the event, she recognized their unwavering commitment to preserving cultural values and advocating for social justice. “Your dedication to uplifting our communities serves as an inspiration to us all,” she stated.
Hon. Gomashie encouraged attendees to embrace the core principles of Rastafari, highlighting its emphasis on activism, justice, environmental stewardship, and compassion. She urged participants to extend these values beyond the festival’s celebrations and incorporate them into their daily lives. Representing her at the event, Mr. Justice Opoen of the Ministry’s Culture Department reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for initiatives that integrate cultural heritage with sustainable development. The Ministry’s participation in the conference underscored its commitment to promoting Ghana’s cultural diversity while fostering empowerment through education and creative arts.
The conference featured insightful addresses from esteemed scholars and leaders. Keynote speaker, Prof. Imhotep Alagidede, spoke on the theme “Rastafari Education and Empowerment: Building Stronger Communities”, urging Rastafarians to reclaim their heritage and past glories. Using a powerful allegory of eagles deceived by crows, he encouraged attendees to rise above societal limitations and rediscover their identity. Guest of Honor, Dr. Wiafe Akenteng, CEO of the Natural Way Herbal Clinic, challenged the Rastafari community to identify pressing societal needs and develop solutions that create economic opportunities. He emphasized that such initiatives would not only strengthen the movement but also uplift communities.
The President of the Rastafari Council, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, called on the community to take advantage of the government’s Black Star Experience initiative by organizing an annual Emancipation Day Festival on August 1, 2025, at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. He highlighted the festival as a platform to celebrate freedom, foster unity, and generate economic opportunities.
Solidarity messages were delivered by various organizations, including the Ghana Culture Forum (GCF), Pan Africa Ghana, NDC Rasta Caucus, Gh Reggae Network, Mpese Royal Family, the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and the Ethiopian World Federation (EWF). Michael Klugah, Manager of the Rastafari Farming and Marketing Society (RFMS), also spoke about the Council’s cooperative farming initiative under RFMS and encouraged like-minded individuals to invest in the venture by purchasing shares.
The conference concluded with a lively family fun day at Akuma Village, Rising Phoenix, on Sunday, where participants enjoyed music, cultural performances, and discussions on community development. Earlier, in collaboration with the Natural Way Herbal Clinic, the Rastafari Council organized a health screening exercise at the MUSIGA office in Accra.