According to the Minister, the President remarked that he did not recall issuing any directive for Ghanaians to adopt the traditional attire on Wednesdays.

She explained that she had to draw his attention to the fact that the initiative originated from her Ministry.

Ms Gomashie said the President expressed admiration for the enthusiasm demonstrated by Cabinet members and the general public in embracing the locally woven fabric as a symbol of cultural pride and national identity.

She made the disclosure during an engagement with the Smock Weavers Association of Ghana.

The development follows a directive by the Ministry designating every Wednesday as “Fugu Day” to promote the traditional Batakari fabric and showcase Ghanaian culture globally.

The initiative was introduced after President Mahama wore fugu during an official visit to Zambia, where some observers reportedly mistook the attire for a blouse.

The Ministry maintains that the campaign is intended to boost patronage of locally produced textiles while celebrating Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

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The veteran actress and cultural activist stressed that theatre is more than entertainment—it is a mirror of society and a vital national asset.

Speaking at the grand opening of the six-day Ghana Theatre Festival 2025 at the National Theatre in Accra on Tuesday, September 23, Madam Gomashie recalled how theatre students at the University of Ghana, Legon, were once derisively labelled “Dondologists,” a term coined to mock their craft.

To her, such insults only expose ignorance and an unwillingness to embrace the value of the arts.

“It started way back when, at the citadel of education, you called us Dondologists to ridicule who we are. Yet, in that same space, you celebrate colleagues worldwide while trampling on us. And that must stop, because you see, we only reflect who you are. If you mock us, you’re mocking yourselves,” she said.

Madam Gomashie rejected the perception of theatre as mere pretence, describing it instead as a platform for education, problem-solving and reflection. She cited the diversity of professionals shaped by theatre—from lawyers and doctors to poets, comedians and architects—as proof of its far-reaching influence.

“There is a comedian who is a dentist by profession. There are lawyers and poets who thrive in this space. So why mock an industry that could employ you after studying law, architecture or any other field?” she asked.

The minister also underscored theatre’s global significance, referencing the works of William Shakespeare, Anton Chekhov and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, alongside Ghana’s own legends such as Efua Sutherland, Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Uncle Ebo Whyte and Latif Abubakar. These names, she said, stand as testaments to theatre’s ability to transform lives and shape nations.

Reflecting on the festival’s theme, Showcasing the Rich Diversity of Ghanaian Culture through Performing Arts, Madam Gomashie warned of the dangers of unchecked globalisation and social media. While digital platforms can promote Ghana’s culture, she noted, they also have the power to erode it.

“The preservation of our culture must go beyond just showcasing. It must be deliberately documented and promoted, especially in the digital space. Social media is a two-edged sword. While some use it to project Ghana positively, others use it to destroy and disrespect, trampling on our culture as if there is no tomorrow,” she cautioned.

Beyond culture, Madam Gomashie also highlighted the economic importance of the creative sector, revealing that in 2024 it ranked as Ghana’s fourth-highest foreign exchange earner. To sustain this momentum, she assured stakeholders that the government was reviewing outdated cultural policies to align with modern realities and boost revenue.

“Our success is not in the individual but in our collective ability to increase revenue and safeguard the fortunes of this industry. This festival allows us to reflect on how far we’ve come and to forge ahead together,” she said.

Dressed in her trademark African-inspired attire, Madam Gomashie officially declared the 2025 Ghana Theatre Festival open, urging performers and audiences to claim it as their own.

“This is your festival. Make the best of it, because every performance, every story we tell has the power to shape Ghana’s future,” she concluded.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

The three-day tour, which included engagements with regional and local authorities, traditional leaders, and site managers, marked a shift from the usual top-down strategies to a more inclusive model that places local assemblies and communities at the heart of tourism growth.

“We are not just here to assess; we are here to listen and co-create solutions. Real tourism transformation begins in the communities,” Hon. Gomashie stated during a visit to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council in Ho.

Key stops on her itinerary included lesser-known but culturally rich sites such as Praise City Eco Park in Ho, the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, and the iconic Wli Waterfalls. While acknowledging the natural beauty and heritage of these attractions, the Minister stressed the need for innovative packaging, better storytelling, and local-led promotion strategies.

“Local dances like Atsiagbekor and Agbadza, our crafts and festivals, are not just traditions—they are tourism gold. But we must present them in ways that attract and educate visitors,” she explained.

Dzifa Gomashie called for stronger partnerships between the Ministry, traditional rulers, and district assemblies to document and promote unique local experiences. She also urged communities to position themselves for investment, especially in eco-tourism and sustainable tourism infrastructure.

“Let’s not wait for Accra to define our stories. Each district, each village, holds a key to Ghana’s tourism future,” she emphasised.

Her engagement with Mamagã Akua-Dei II, Paramount Queen of the Asogli State, underscored the importance of traditional authority in shaping community narratives and preserving cultural identity.

As she wrapped up her tour, the Minister encouraged citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors to support tourism initiatives that protect the environment, celebrate culture, and generate local income. “The future of Ghana’s tourism lies in our ability to turn hidden gems into economic jewels—through the people who live closest to them,” she concluded.

Source: Ivy Setordjie

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The meeting, which was attended by MUSIGA executives and renowned musician Divine Drummer Okyerema Asante, aimed to inform the Minister about the planned ceremonies and cultural events honoring the legacies of Teddy Osei, co-founder of the influential afro-rock group Osibisa, and Naa Amanua, a celebrated traditional musician.

Both musicians have made significant contributions to Ghana’s music industry and culture, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s music scene. The delegation briefed the Minister on the details of the funeral rites and highlighted the importance of these events in celebrating Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie expressed her condolences to the families and praised the contributions of both Teddy Osei and Naa Amanua to Ghana’s cultural landscape. She assured the families of the Ministry’s full support for the funeral rites and emphasized the role these events play in promoting cultural tourism and showcasing Ghanaian music globally.

The Minister also reaffirmed her commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural environment that honors the nation’s music icons while boosting the creative arts sector.

MUSIGA President Bessa Simons congratulated the Minister on her appointment and thanked her for the warm reception. He also expressed the families’ gratitude for the Ministry’s support and collaboration.

The meeting concluded with a call for closer cooperation between the Ministry, MUSIGA, and the families to ensure that the funeral rites are a fitting tribute to these music legends and contribute to the growth of Ghana’s tourism and cultural industries.

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Plugin Digital Limited and host of the Africa Rising Podcast, Francis Doku, has suggested that former boss of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Kojo Bonsu, will best serve as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

He told Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM‘s Showbiz A-Z that Kojo is someone who has the business acumen and experience to handle a portfolio of that nature.

“The person in my view who fits that role, the person who has that experience, who has managed projects on a bigger scale, who can sit and talk to investors on things that need to happen in that space is Kojo Bonsu,” he said.

Francis, however, mentioned that it is likely Dzifa Abla Gomashie will be given the nod.

“The pattern shows that the mantle might land on Abla Dzifa Gomashie,” he added.

Some stakeholders of the industry have suggested other people such as creative entrepreneur Baba Sadiq, musician Rex Omar, actress Abla Dzifa Gomashie, actor John Dumelo, and actress Ebi Bright.

About Kojo Bonsu

Michael Kojo Bonsu) is a Ghanaian businessman, sports administrator, and politician, who served as the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly from 2013 to 2017.

Bonsu is a native of Offinso, a town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. He had his Ordinary Level education at the Tamale Secondary School, between 1974 and 1979.

In 1981, Bonsu then moved to the Drayton School in London, England where he acquired his Advanced Level Certificate. Between 1985 and 1990, when Bonsu joined giant sports kit manufacturers, Adidas, he enrolled into their football Business Unit at Herzogenaurach, Germany, and in the process obtained a Diploma in Sports Business and Marketing.

After completing his training in sports Business and marketing, Bonsu worked with Adidas and became their first representative in West Africa and served as an Assistant Marketing Officer. He rose to become the kit maker’s manager in Ghana and the whole of West Africa. Within which period he brokered deals between the company and the Ghana football Association specifically the Ghana football national team.

Football administration

He is a former director of Tamale-based club Real Tamale United. Bonsu was also an executive member of Asante Kotoko.

In 2003, he launched his bid to be the Ghana Football Association’s President. He went against former president of the GFA Kwesi Nyantakyi, politician and executive member of Accra Hearts of Oak, Vincent Odotei Sowah, a former FA vice-chairman, Joseph Ade Coker and former executive council chairman, Y.A Ibrahim. He subsequently lost to Kwesi Nyantakyi in the elections in December 2005.

Mayor Kojo Bonsu interacting with US Ambassador Robert P. Jackson during his visit to Kumasi.

In January 2010, Bonsu was appointed board chairman of the National Sports Authority then a council under the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Bonsu is known to have spearheaded the re-branding of the sports council until it subsequently became a sports authority.

Managing Director of Goil

Bonsu served as a board member for Ghana Oil Company (GOIL) from July 2009 to April 2015. He also became acting managing director of the company after their long serving managing director Yaw Agyemang-Duah retired after serving with the company for 16 years.

He served as managing director role from July 2011 to February 2012. In October 2015, He was acknowledged and honoured by the company for playing a key role in the company’s rebranding process.

Mayor of Kumasi

In 2013, President, John Dramani Mahama nominated Bonsu for the position of Metropolitan Chief Executive for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

In July 2016, he vacated his office and resigned after the Kumasi Traditional Council called him to order for his decision to take Nana Agyenim Boateng the Amoamanhene off the Kejetia project board without giving a notice to Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.

He is the founder and former publisher of Agoo Magazine an African lifestyle magazine that was founded in 2001.

Political career

Ahead of the 2020 elections, in September 2018 towards the National Democratic Congress’ Presidential primaries he declared his intention to contest as Party’s president flagbearership role.

In December 2018, he announced his decision to drop out of the race for the role and threw his support to whoever would emerge winner at the end of the primaries.

Again, ahead of the 2024 elections, Kojo Bonsu expressed confidence in his ability to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the general election of 2024 by winning the party’s presidential primary.

After delegates voted in the primaries on 13th May, 2023, Mahama received 98.9% of the vote, while Kojo Bonsu, received 1.1%, making Mahama the clear winner.

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Lawyer and Member of Parliament for Sekondi Constituency, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, has been named as the new Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Mr Mercer, prior to this appointment, was a Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Energy.

He will be taking over from Dr. Mohammed Awal who assumed the role in 2021.

About Andrew Egyapa Mercer

The Minister-designate attended Adisadel College in Cape Coast, where he obtained both his GCE Ordinary level and GCE Advanced level certificates.

He gained entrance into the University of Ghana, graduating with Honours in Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Bachelor of Laws. He studied at the Ghana School of Law and qualified as a lawyer in Ghana after passing his bar examination.

Mr Mercer also served as the Head of the Legal Department at the First Atlantic Bank.

He was also a senior associate at Acquah-Sampson & Associates. Mr Mercer is now a lead attorney at his eponymous law firm Mercer & Company.

The MP also serves on two committees in parliament namely, the Special Budget Committee and the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

This is to enhance the country’s overall tourism experience for international visitors in a bid to solidify Ghana’s position as a welcoming destination in the sub-region.

The move, part of the government’s Ghana Cares Economic Transformation programme, seeks to ensure effective communication and provide exceptional, personalized services to Francophone guests, solidifying Ghana’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally sensitive tourism industry.

Addressing journalists in Accra on Sunday, September 24, 2023, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal said majority of tourists frequenting Ghana’s tourist sites are from French-speaking countries.

Consequently, the language training programme has been strategically designed to empower frontline personnel across the tourism sector with bilingual proficiency to enable them to engage effectively and cater to the specific requirements of visitors, particularly those hailing from French-speaking countries.

“Ghana is surrounded by francophone countries. As you know there are about 8 or 9 francophone countries in West Africa. West Africa’s GDP is about $880 billion dollars with 448 million people. Ghana cannot achieve its target of international tourism with a corresponding tourism receipt of $3.8 billion this year if we don’t expand ourselves to the francophone countries. We have Cote d’Ivoire which is among the top 10 visiting countries in Ghana, we have Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin, etc. who always come to Ghana.

“For us in tourism, the most important thing to us is repeat tourism. If a tourist visits Ghana this year, next year, he will bring his family and friends along and stay longer and spend more money that can support our economy. We realized that we could get more tourists if we open ourselves in terms of French language and we equip our frontline staff, be it drivers, front desk attendants and tour guards so that once you become bilingual in English and French, we are able to attract tourists,” the Minister said.

The training programme he said has been meticulously planned and organized into several phases. In the inaugural phase, which commenced this month and will continue until December 2023, a select group of 100 staff members from upmarket hotels in Accra are participating.

It serves as a pilot programme designed to ensure comprehensive training and assessment before the initiative is expanded on a larger scale.

Dr. Awal said the government’s vision extends beyond this initial phase, stressing that the ultimate objective is to provide training to a total of 2,000 hospitality staff members in line with the government’s broader objective of making Ghana a more appealing destination for a diverse array of tourists.

He said such investments in skill development are crucial for the long-term growth and success of the tourism sector assuring Ghanaians of the government’s unwavering dedication to enhancing service quality and improving tourist centres in the country.

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Speaking at the reopening ceremony of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on July 4, 2023, attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other esteemed guests, Dr Awal expressed the government’s ambition to make Ghana a prominent hub for tourism in Africa.

Highlighting Ghana’s rich heritage and the potential for both heritage and political tourism, Dr Awal emphasized the government’s commitment to making tourism an appealing industry on the continent.

He stated, “Ghana has heritage and political tourism, and that is what we want to do to make tourism attractive on the continent. Next year, the Osu castle, National museum, and other forts and castles will be modernized.”

In addition to the cultural significance, Dr Awal shed light on the economic benefits of tourism, emphasizing that Ghana has the potential to generate an annual revenue of 6 to 7 billion dollars.

He expressed optimism that the Year of Return initiative, launched in 2019, would significantly boost the economy as visitors from around the world come to Ghana for sightseeing and cultural celebrations.

Dr Awal confidently asserted, “Diasporans will come here to celebrate our culture, and Mr. President, if we continue as we have, over the next 3 years, tourism will generate between 6 and 7 billion dollars per annum. In just two to three years, we’ll generate 6 to 7 billion dollars per annum and contribute 150,000 jobs every year in line with our job creation agenda.”

Dr Awal extended his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo, the Country Director of the World Bank in Ghana, Mr. Pierre Frank Laporte, Ghana’s Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, and Samia Nkrumah, the daughter of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, for their contributions to the successful implementation of the project.

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, a significant historic monument in Ghana, was dedicated to the memory of the country’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and serves as the final resting place for him and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah.

Situated on the former British colonial Polo Grounds along the coast of Accra, the park holds great importance as it was the location where Dr. Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana’s independence.

The late Jerry John Rawlings, former Head of State, constructed the park in 1990 as a means of preserving the nation’s heritage. It was opened to the public in 1992.

Since its inauguration, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has attracted visitors from around the world, with an estimated annual footfall of approximately 98,000.

Tourists pay their respects to Ghana’s first President, while also learning about his life and enduring legacy. The park stands as one of the top 10 most visited sites in the country.

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The government, he said, with support from the World Bank, was providing funding for the project, in line with its commitment to make the sector a veritable tool for economic transformation by 2023.

“It will contribute to job creation and wealth for the people. According to the World Bank, two out of every 10 jobs are created by the tourism sector,” Dr Awal said.

The Minister, who was addressing the media in Accra yesterday, added that so far ¢1.5m of the funds had been spent on rehabilitating the National Museum.

Present at the press conference were the Deputy Tourism Minister, Mark Okraku-Mantey; the Project Coordinator, Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP), Nana Sarfo Kantanka; the
Chief Director of the Ministry, John Yao Agbeko.

Others are the CEO of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Edna Nyame; the Executive Director of the National Theatre, Amy Frimpong; the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, and the CEO of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), Kingsley Ofosu Ntiamoah.

Beneficiaries

Some of the sites to benefit from the modernisation project are the Pikworo Heritage and Slave Camp, the Bonwire Kente Museum, the Yaa Asantewaa Museum in Ejisu, the National Museum and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

Others are the Elmina Castle, the Kakum, the Shai Hills and the Mole National parks; the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre and the construction of five multipurpose domes or amphitheatres for performances within the creative arts space.

Significance

According to Dr Awal, the country had a comparative advantage in the tourism and hospitality industry in West Africa, hence investing and giving the sector a facelift was necessary.

“About 65 per cent of all edifices used during the slave trade are located in the country and is used to boost heritage tourism.

“Ghana is also a host to the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which position’s the country as a venue for meetings, conferences and events,” he said.

The Minister added that the country was not only at the centre of the world but was also politically stable and an attractive investment destination.

He further said his outfit is determined to be the number one contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), for which reason “we are building capacity in customer care, domestic and international tourism drive and product development”.

According to him, there were 534,711 domestic tourism visitations from January to September 2022, compared to 334,921 visitations in the same period in 2021, saying “our projection is to achieve one million domestic tourists by the end of 2022”.

Dr Awal also said some policies would be reviewed to serve the industry better.
He further said the ministry was working towards making the country a “hub of enjoyment” in December this year.

The Minister made this call in Accra when the Cuban Ambassador to Ghana, Annette Chao Garcia, paid a courtesy call on him at his office on Monday 14th March 2022.

Dr. Awal added that the cultural exchanges would be beneficial to both countries because they could afford them the opportunities to share ideas and pick lessons from the Cuban success story.

“We want to look at customer care especially and how we can attract and retain tourists which is the biggest issue of the sector,” he indicated.

He said, his vision for the sector was to attract tourists who would repeat their visit to Ghana with their family and friends as the years go by.

He noted that cultural exchanges would enable Ghanaians to learn how Cubans treat tourists at the beaches and restaurants to make them happy.

He also revealed that plans are far advanced to organise charter flights to bring tourists from Cuba and vice versa at least every fortnightly.

The minister said he wants to increase the number of tourists who visit Ghana from 1.1 million in 2019 to 2 million by 2024 and added that, his vision would be achieved through the massive rehabilitation of forts and castles.

The ministry, he noted, was in the process of developing a national festival that would enhance the diverse and rich cultural heritage of Ghana.

On her part, Ambassador Annette Chao Garcia said Ghana can attract the needed investment in the tourism sector because of the beautiful cultural history the country can boast of.

She added that three key things that make Ghana the preferred destination for many tourists are being a safe country, having more resources, and generally being a peaceful country.

She indicated that the highest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Cuba was the Human Capital.

Madam Garcia added that of the 11 million population in Cuba 30% are blacks who are of Yoruba descent in Nigeria and Congo.

She revealed that the Cubans celebrate movie festivals and the Ballet dance festival which attracts lots of tourists to their country.

She, therefore, urged the minister to address flight challenges between Ghana and Cuba to make the collaboration smooth.

She said she would coordinate with the tourism minister in Cuba to extend an invitation to Dr Awal to begin it.

The Minister at the end of the interaction presented Madam Garcia with a beyond the return wrist band and tourism passport.