Accra — 13th December,2025- Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on Ghanaians to accord greater respect, investment and institutional support to the country’s Creative Arts sector, describing it as a critical driver of employment, tourism and national development.
She made the call at an event organised by Zadokeli, where distinguished academics and creatives, including herself were honored for their contributions to Ghana’s cultural and intellectual landscape.
Hon. Gomashie said Ghana’s creative industry is rich in talent and professional capacity but continues to suffer from inadequate platforms and recognition.
“The sector does not lack talent or capable people. What it lacks is support and platforms to exhibit our craft, and for Ghana to take us seriously,” she said.
The Minister highlighted the economic impact of creative productions, noting that a single performance can employ and sustain hundreds of people across multiple value chains, from design and production to marketing and logistics.
She further explained that the creation of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts under President John Dramani Mahama was a strategic decision to align culture and creativity with tourism, recognising their contribution to Ghana’s gross domestic product.
“Culture and Creative Arts are our strength and what truly drives tourism in Ghana,” she stated.
Hon. Gomashie also condemned stereotypes that portray creatives as people who entered the sector due to limited academic ability, stressing that artistic careers are a calling and a legitimate profession.
“We did not choose this path because we could not do anything else. We chose it because it is our calling, and it is just as important as any other profession,” she added.
She further emphasised the sector’s role in safeguarding mental health and fostering healing and expression, warning that society would feel the impact if creative activities were to halt even briefly.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry recently led 26 young Ghanaian creatives to Senegal for a West African creative showcase involving participants from 15 African countries, describing the initiative as part of efforts to create more international platforms for Ghanaian talent.
She also urged stakeholders to protect and strengthen the “December in Ghana” initiative, cautioning against losing its growing global appeal.
“December in Ghana is powerful. We must not lose it. The creative sector holds the key to Ghana’s overall development,” she added.
Creative entrepreneur Elorm Anang, who also addressed the gathering, shared his journey from academia and banking into the creative arts, noting that creatives can generate significant employment and revenue for the country.
Ms. Anang, a former banker with 17 years of experience in the corporate sector, said she returned fully to the creative space in 2023 to help build sustainable structures within the industry.
The event featured the presentation of recognition awards to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Ghana’s creative and intellectual development. Award recipients included Hon. Abla Dzifa Goamashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Professor Lade Wosornu, Author, Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, an asociate Professor of African Studies and Professor Martin Okyere Owusu, a Ghanaian playwright, actor, and director
Professor Lade Wosornu, in his remarks, urged society to accord creatives the respect they deserve, describing them as intellectually capable and essential to national progress.
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku-PR-Unit- MoTCCA
