Ghana is set to shine on the international stage with the launch of the Black Star Festival, an innovative cultural initiative aimed at strengthening Ghana’s ties with the African diaspora and showcasing its vibrant heritage.
The festival in collaboration between the National Commission on Culture (NCC) and GD Visionary Group Ltd, marks a significant step in Ghana’s ongoing journey of cultural diplomacy and economic growth through arts, tradition, and shared identity.
The Black Star Festival is a celebration of African Culture, heritage, and creativity featuring music, arts, fashion, film, and business networking with the aim of positioning Ghana as a global hub for cultural tourism and investment by taking these unique experiences to new audience.
The maiden editions of the events are scheduled for September 2025 in the United States and October 2025 in Ghana.
The Head of Marketing and Public Relations at GD Visionary Group Ltd, Mr. Cyrill-Alex Gockel addressing the audience at the launch said the Black Star Festival, aglobal platform promises to bring together academics, university students, entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders from across the world, with Nigeria already joining as a key partner in amplifying Africa’s collective future.
According to him, the Black Star Festival is more than just a celebration of tourism, it is a dedicated effort to promote Ghana’s cultural exploration, highlighting fashion, visual arts, theatre, and business activations that position Ghana as a leading innovator and hub of cultural investment.
He emphasized that the event will serve as a catalyst to build bridges between Ghana and the world, inspired by previous initiatives like the Year of Return and Beyond the Return, which rekindled global engagement with Ghana’s rich history and economic potential.
The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Mr. Wakefield Ackuoku, highlighted that the Black Star Festival is in line with the objectives of the government’s Blackstar Experience initiative.
“The Black Star Experience didn’t come from a vacuum. It is built on the foundation laid by previous programs, as government initiatives are a continuum. We’ve seen the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, and now we are evolving the Blackstar Experience into the future,” he explained.
He emphasized the significance of the event’s concept for the National Commission on Culture.
When GD Vision approached the NCC to collaborate on such a programme, we recognized it as a commendable effort. We have previously showcased Ghana in various ways, but this event stands out because it presents a special opportunity called a ‘Touch of Gold,’ he remarked.
The Washington edition of the festival, scheduled for September 26 to 30, 2025, will feature notable creative artists including Serge Attukwei Clottey, Samuel Lovi, Betty Acquah, Kwame Akoto Bamfo, and Ibrahim Mahama.
