Ghana’s government is reviewing outdated laws and policies governing the cultural and creative sectors as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s creative economy, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has said.
She said the process includes a review of the National Cultural Policy and is aimed at unlocking the full economic and social potential of Ghana’s cultural and creative industries.
Ms Gomashie made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the third sitting of the second session of the 25th Congregation Ceremony of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra.
The ceremony, held under the theme “From heritage to creative futures: Reimagining development through creative education and enterprise,” brought together students, faculty, policymakers and industry stakeholders to celebrate academic achievement and reflect on the role of culture, creativity and innovation in national development.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said aligning Ghana’s policy and legal frameworks with evolving global trends — while remaining grounded in local realities — was essential for building a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable creative industry.
She noted that the tourism, culture and creative arts sector contributed an estimated US$4.8bn to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product in 2024 and attracted approximately 1.2 million visitors, underlining tourism’s importance to the national economy.
Ms Gomashie described tourism as a critical bridge between Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and global experiences, saying the country’s authenticity, traditions and shared African identity continued to draw visitors from around the world.
She stressed the need for greater recognition and appreciation of indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices, particularly among young people, arguing that they form a strong foundation for economic growth and creative enterprise.
“The future of Ghana’s creative economy depends on how well we value and invest in our heritage while embracing innovation,” she said, urging graduates to see culture not only as identity but as opportunity.
The minister called on graduates and faculty to collaborate with government through research, innovation and enterprise development to help shape the future of the tourism, culture and creative arts sector.
She said such partnerships would be crucial in driving policy relevance, skills development and sustainable growth across the industry.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of GIMPA’s Governing Council, Prof Yaw Agyeman Badu, congratulated the graduating students for their perseverance and discipline, describing graduation as both a moment of achievement and renewal.
He reaffirmed GIMPA’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and national relevance, highlighting the institute’s long-standing role in producing leaders for both the public and private sectors.
The Rector of GIMPA, Prof Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, outlined several achievements recorded by the institute over the past year, including strengthened collaboration with government agencies, expanded partnerships across the African continent and a renewed focus on graduate education.
Prof Bonsu announced the approval of a new School of Creative Arts Leadership and Enterprise (G-SCALE), which is expected to begin operations in September 2026.
He said the new school would address skills gaps and leadership needs within the creative arts sector, aligning education with the demands of a rapidly evolving creative economy.
Looking ahead, Prof Bonsu said GIMPA would continue to advance its digital transformation agenda, adopt artificial intelligence tools and promote sustainable growth as the institute prepares to mark its 65th anniversary.
As part of the congregation ceremony, Ms Gomashie and the Chairman of the Governing Council presented awards to the overall best graduating student.
The minister was also honoured with a portrait award in recognition of her contributions to the tourism, culture and creative arts sector, as well as her support for GIMPA’s 25th Congregation ceremony.