Introduction

As the Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), I am committed to revitalizing, preserving, and promoting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage while leveraging it as a tool for national development. My tenure will focus on cultural innovation, inclusivity, economic empowerment, and global visibility.

Strategic Vision

My vision is to build on the work that has been done by eminent Ghanaians who once led this prestigious institution, the likes of Dr. Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Professor Nana Arhin Brempong, Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Professor Hagan etc. to unleash a dynamic and sustainable cultural ecosystem which includes:

1. Preserving Ghana’s Cultural Heritage

Strengthening policies and programs that safeguard traditional knowledge, languages, and artistic expressions.

2. Empowering Creative and Cultural Industries

Supporting artists, performers, writers, and cultural entrepreneurs to make culture a driver of economic growth.

3. Promoting Cultural Education and Awareness

Work closely with stakeholders to integrate cultural studies into the national curriculum and fostering cultural literacy among the youth.

4. Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy

Showcasing Ghanaian culture on the global stage and fostering international collaborations.

5. Enhancing Institutional Capacity

Reforming and modernizing the NCC for effective policy implementation and stakeholder engagement.

6. Integrating STEAM Education with Cultural Development

Using culture as a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern technological advancements.

7. Implementing The Black Star Experience

Rolling out Ghana’s flagship tourism, arts, and culture policy to establish Ghana as the cultural capital of Africa and a leading global destination for heritage tourism.

Key Initiatives

1. National Cultural Policy Review and Implementation

   1. Engage stakeholders to update and effectively implement Ghana’s cultural policy to reflect contemporary realities.

2. The Black Star Experience: A Flagship Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts Initiative

   1. Roll out The Black Star Experience, which will position Ghana as a leading hub for Pan-African cultural tourism, heritage preservation, and artistic innovation.

   2. Develop world-class cultural attractions showcasing Ghana’s history, arts, and creative industries.

   3. Promote strong presence of culture at historical sites while also investing in modern artistic hubs and performance centers.

   4. Establish Black Star Cultural Zones in key cities to serve as vibrant spaces for cultural exhibitions, festivals, and artistic performances.

   5. Strengthen Ghana’s appeal as the go-to destination for the African Diaspora through The Black Star Experience and heritage reconnection initiatives.

   6. Leverage digital and virtual reality (VR) experiences to expand Ghana’s cultural offerings globally.

3. Creative Economy and Cultural Entrepreneurship

   1. Establish funding schemes, incubation hubs, and digital platforms for cultural entrepreneurs.

   2. Foster cultural and creative industries as key drivers of economic growth.

4. Youth, Cultural Education, and STEAM Integration

   1. Develop a STEAM and Culture initiative that blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics with Ghanaian cultural traditions.

   2. Encourage innovation in art, fashion, film, music, and architecture by integrating modern digital tools (e.g., AI, virtual reality, 3D printing) with traditional knowledge.

   3. Launch Cultural Innovation Labs in schools and community centers to engage students in hands-on learning experiences, merging culture with technology.

5. National Cultural Festivals

   1. Revitalize national and regional festivals to boost innovation and economic benefits.

   2. Use The Black Star Experience as a platform to showcase Ghanaian talent on the global stage through international festival collaborations.

   3. Develop Diaspora Cultural Exchange Programs to deepen connections between Ghana and the global African community.

6. Digitization and Documentation of Ghanaian Heritage

   1. Develop a digital cultural archive to preserve and promote Ghanaian traditions and histories.

   2. Use AI-powered language preservation projects to safeguard indigenous languages.

7. Partnerships and International Cultural Exchanges

   1. Collaborate with embassies, international cultural institutions, and UNESCO to enhance global recognition of Ghana’s cultural assets.

   2. Establish exchange programs for Ghanaian artists and cultural professionals to learn and share knowledge globally.

Measuring Success

To ensure accountability and progress, I will establish a performance framework that includes:

• Annual reports on The Black Star Experience’s impact on cultural activities and economic growth.

• Public engagement through town halls and digital platforms.

• Strengthened collaboration with the private sector, academia, tourism boards, and cultural stakeholders.

Conclusion

Ghana’s culture is our soul and strength. Through strategic leadership, partnerships, and innovative policies, we will preserve our heritage while transforming it into a global economic force.  The Black Star Experience will serve as the foundation for positioning Ghana as the cultural hub of Africa and beyond. By integrating STEAM education, creative industries, and heritage tourism, we will inspire the next generation, foster cultural pride, and drive economic prosperity.

Together, we will make Ghana the beacon of African culture and innovation.