Accra: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, under the leadership of Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP), has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to mentorship, youth empowerment, and knowledge-sharing within Ghana's creative industries. The Ministry continues to champion collaboration in photography, cinematography, and storytelling, encouraging seasoned professionals to support and uplift the next generation.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Ministry emphasized its dedication to youth empowerment through arts training, mentorship, and community engagement while cautioning against the culture of 'gatekeeping' in the industry. Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie underscored this during a meeting with the delegation from Ghana's recent participation in the Ghana-Poland Photographic Collaboration.
The Ministry has tasked Mr. Divine Kwame Owusu Ansah, Director for Culture and Creative Arts, to collaborate with the National Film Authority to roll out training programs and workshops aimed at strengthening Ghana's cinema ecosystem. Additionally, in partnership with UNESCO, a national photography competition has been launched to engage young people in documenting life in their communities. Winning works will be exhibited at the Ministry's headquarters to celebrate emerging talent.
The Ghana-Poland collaboration, led by Mr. Wojciech Zaremba, a Polish lawyer and philanthropic photographer, and Mr. Thomas Fynn, Ghana's renowned photographer and curator, continues to break new ground. Participants include Mary Ama Odurowaa Sarkodie, Theophilus Seth Opoku, and Ernestina Fynn. The 'Photography is Getting Together' program will see Ghanaian art showcased across multiple venues in Poland, including the Kazimierz Dolny Festival Two Banks and the National Museum in Szczecin, which has pledged future cooperation.
Mr. Zaremba and the Polish photographic community have agreed to support the establishment of Ghana's first-ever Museum of Photography through the collection of vintage cameras and equipment, a landmark step in preserving Ghana's visual heritage and promoting arts education.
The Moree Event Centre Complex, now 40% completed, stands as a symbol of Ghana's cultural renaissance. The project aims to establish a Cultural and Exhibition Centre, create a Photographic Academy and Museum, and provide training facilities, festival grounds, and heritage trails. Situated near Cape Coast Castle, the Centre is ideally positioned to drive cultural activities, tourism, and economic development within the Central Region.
Inspired by the historic Fort Nassau in Moree, this visionary project by Thomas Fynn supports President John Dramani Mahama's vision for empowering creative industries as a driver of economic growth. Following an 8-year legal battle, the Circuit Court affirmed Mr. Thomas Fynn's rightful ownership of the project land, ensuring full legal protection for this cultural investment.
The Moree Event Centre Complex complements the 24-Hour Economy Vision, supporting continuous programming in culture, tourism, and creative arts through night festivals, open-air cinemas, artisan markets, and tourism trails linked to Ghana's heritage sites. Strategic partnerships are being sought for financial support to complete construction and furnish the Complex, as well as for establishing and operationalizing the Moree Tourism Information Center.
This initiative aims to increase tourism revenue for Moree and the Central Region, create jobs in creative industries, tourism, and hospitality, preserve Ghana's cultural heritage, empower women and youth economically, and enhance global visibility for Ghana's cultural tourism.
The statement appeals to various government ministries, the Office of the President of Ghana, and international partners for support. Mr. Zaremba highlighted the importance of creating synergy between Ghana and the global creative industry, fostering deeper connections through exhibitions, mentorship, and cultural exchange.
