Ghana, Colombia strengthen cultural ties ahead of Festival of Traditional Music
Ghana and Colombia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural cooperation following a meeting between the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Colombian Embassy in Ghana, Kelis Zulay Moreno Mosquera, in Accra.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Ministry’s offices, focused on strengthening bilateral relations through cultural and creative collaborations, including preparations for the upcoming Festival of Traditional Music.
The annual festival, spearheaded by the Colombian Embassy, was first introduced in 2023 as the Pan-African Cultural Festival and has since evolved into a vibrant platform celebrating both African and Colombian cultural heritage.
The rebranded Festival of Traditional Music will this year place particular emphasis on indigenous sounds and rhythms that connect communities across the African diaspora.
Accompanying Ms. Moreno Mosquera was Sefakor Afi Mensa Dartey, a senior official of the Embassy. The Chargé d’Affaires also extended an official invitation to Ghana to participate in the International Book Festival scheduled for April 2026 in Colombia, which will bring together authors, publishers and other key players from the global literary and cultural sectors. She further confirmed Colombia’s participation in Ghana’s upcoming Afro Gastro Festival, a flagship culinary and cultural showcase organised by the Ministry.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie welcomed the initiatives and reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with Colombia to promote cultural diplomacy and creative exchange. She highlighted Ghana’s commitment to advancing intercultural dialogue that strengthens connections between Africa and its global partners.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Joseph Kwesi Amoah, and the Director for Culture and Creative Arts, Mr. Divine Owusu-Ansah, who both pledged the Ministry’s full support for the planned collaborations.
The engagement underscored the growing role of culture as a tool for diplomacy, with both Ghana and Colombia expressing optimism that future projects will enhance mutual understanding, promote shared values and drive sustainable cultural development.
