Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has encouraged Ghanaians to learn at least one language in addition to their mother tongue, describing language skills and cultural awareness as essential tools for development in an increasingly interconnected world.
She made the call during the launch of Ghana’s revised National Cultural Policy at the National Theatre in Accra on June 9, 2026.
Highlighting the global value of Ghana’s cultural heritage, the Vice President said the country’s cultural expressions are not only a source of national pride but also a contribution to the wider world.
“These achievements remind us that our cultural expressions are not only treasures of Ghana but gifts to the world. In an interconnected world, cultural intelligence and languages are critical tools for development. I want to encourage each of us to learn at least one language beyond our mother tongue,” she said.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also underscored the growing role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in preserving and promoting Ghanaian culture and languages.
According to her, digital tools can help expand the reach of Ghanaian artists, preserve cultural heritage, and create economic opportunities, especially for young people.
“As we look to the future, we recognise the transformative potential of technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to digitise our culture, promote our languages and amplify the work of our artists. We must, however, ensure that these innovations are grounded in our values and used to create opportunities, particularly in job creation,” she stated.
The Vice President further called on government agencies, traditional leaders, young people, and the Ghanaian diaspora to work together to realise the goals of the revised policy.
“Let this launch mark the beginning of a bold new chapter in Ghana’s cultural journey. Together, we must unlock the full potential of culture and creativity, build a nation that draws strength from its heritage, creates opportunities through innovation, and confidently projects its voice on the global stage,” she said.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described the revised policy as the product of years of extensive consultations with stakeholders across the cultural and creative sectors.
She said the framework is expected to support creative entrepreneurs, attract investment into the cultural sector, and strengthen the integration of culture into Ghana’s broader national development agenda.
The revised Cultural Policy of Ghana serves as a strategic blueprint for preserving the country’s heritage while positioning the cultural and creative industries as drivers of economic growth, job creation and social transformation.
Replacing the previous policy introduced in 2004, the new framework aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, recognising culture as a key pillar of sustainable development.
Work on the policy began seven years ago and involved broad consultations with stakeholders nationwide. It covers areas such as culture and heritage, governance, technology, society, the economy, and implementation mechanisms aimed at strengthening oversight and regulation within the sector.
The launch reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to using culture as a catalyst for economic empowerment, heritage preservation, and greater engagement with the global community.
