The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has collaborated with top leaders in the arts and creative industries across Columbus, Ohio, to strengthen Ghana’s global tourism brand through the creative arts.
During the first week of November 2025, the GTA CEO met with a distinguished lineup of cultural leaders and organizations, including Michael Reese, Founder and President of Columbus Artway Inc.; Leda Hoffmann, Artistic Director of The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio; Jason Gay, Vice President of Operations at CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts); Amy Drake, celebrated Playwright and Producer; and Tom Katzenmeyer, President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC).
The engagements focused on the partnership of Ghana’s vibrant art scene with international investors, art patrons, and institutions.
A key outcome was a shared commitment to bring creative investors and arts patrons to Ghana in the first quarter of 2026 to explore collaboration opportunities with local artists, galleries, and cultural enterprises, with planning already happening.
Ms. Houadjeto emphasized that Ghana’s creative economy holds immense potential to attract both tourists and investors.
“The arts tell the story of our people — they are the soul of Ghana’s tourism identity,” she noted. “This collaboration is not only about cultural exchange, but about creating sustainable pathways for investment, mentorship, and global visibility for Ghanaian artists.”
Her remarks echoed GTA’s “Experience Ghana” campaign, which seeks to position the country as Africa’s premier cultural and tourism destination through music, film, fashion, theater, and visual arts.
The Columbus engagements built on the growing relationship between Ghana and the City of Columbus, following a series of bilateral forums earlier in the year. The discussions with CAPA, GCAC, and other partners explored the potential for:
• Hosting Ghana Arts Showcases in Columbus;
• Establishing artist-in-residence exchanges;
• Facilitating investment tours for American art patrons;
• And co-creating arts education programs to nurture young Ghanaian talent.
Michael Reese of Columbus Artway Inc. described the collaboration as “an exciting step toward an authentic cultural partnership that celebrates creativity and entrepreneurship between two dynamic cities.”
Leda Hoffmann of The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio added that “Ghana’s storytelling traditions are deeply inspiring, and we’re eager to explore creative bridges through theatre and performance.”
This initiative forms part of Ghana Tourism Authority’s larger strategy to align tourism with the creative economy — recognizing artists, filmmakers, writers, and performers as vital ambassadors of Ghana’s identity on the world stage.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming Creative Arts & Investment Delegation to Ghana in early 2026 will include cultural leaders, producers, and art philanthropists from the United States. They will participate in curated visits to Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast to experience Ghana’s artistic diversity, interact with creatives, and explore investment opportunities in galleries, film studios, and art festivals.
The Columbus meetings marked the beginning of a visionary partnership — one that redefines tourism as not just travel, but an exchange of stories, artistry, and opportunity.
