Ghana’s culture needs global attention -Executive Director of NCC
THE Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Wakefield Ackuaku, has urged Ghanaians, and particularly mandated cultural agencies, to actively showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage instead of waiting for visitors to come to experience it.
Mr Ackuaku believes that with focused promotion, Ghana can significantly impact the global cultural landscape.
Speaking with Graphic Showbiz on the sidelines of the launch of The Black Star Festival at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) on Tuesday, June 17, Mr Ackuaku emphasised the need for innovative approaches, such as hosting events such as the Black Star Festival abroad, to ignite international interest in Ghana’s culture.
“Ghana's culture is rich and diverse, with its unique blend of traditions, customs and values, which can captivate audiences worldwide.
“We shouldn't wait for people to come to Ghana to experience our culture; instead, we should take it to them. I'm confident that with the right strategy, Ghana can leave a lasting mark on the global stage," he stated.
The Black Star Experience, which was officially launched on May 1, 2025, was graced by President John Dramani Mahama.
The initiative aims to position Ghana as Africa's cultural and creative hub through year-round festivals, art, music, fashion, cuisine, film and heritage.
At the event, President Mahama called on government creative agencies to contribute meaningfully to the Black Star Experience.
The Black Star Festival, therefore, aligns perfectly with the Black Star Experience, reinforcing Ghana's commitment to promoting its vibrant culture.
In his address at the launch on Tuesday, Mr Ackuaku noted that the Black Star Experience builds on prior cultural initiatives like the Year of Return and Beyond the Return, propelling Ghana's cultural identity into the future.
“The Black Star Experience aims to build on the momentum generated by these initiatives, propelling Ghana's cultural identity into the future.
“As we all know, the NCC is dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture of Ghana while forging a unique Ghanaian identity. This Black Star Experience didn’t come from a vacuum, it is building on what was started earlier, the Black Star Festival is one of the projects under the Black Star Experience to push Ghana’s cultural agenda,” he said.
The Black Star Festival celebrates African culture, creativity and heritage through music, art, fashion, film and networking. It is an initiative of GD Visionary Group Ltd, in collaboration with NCC. (Read The Black Star Festival launched)
In his submission, the President of GD Visionary Group, Mr Joseph Marteye, said the three-day festival will take place in Washington DC, USA, from September 26-28.
“The Black Star Festival is a platform for Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to connect with their cultural heritage, appreciate its richness and celebrate their identity.
“There are many Ghanaians who haven’t experienced Ghana’s culture before and so this will be a great opportunity for them to learn and experience their culture through the various activities to be held,” he explained.
