Make GH Africa’s creative hub –Minister fires up industry
THE Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on Ghanaian creatives to unite and position the country as Africa’s cultural and creative headquarters, leveraging the growing global attention around the December in GH celebrations.
Ghana has everything it takes to become the true home of Pan-African heritage since the December in GH initiative has already put Ghana in the spotlight by attracting thousands of visitors annually and spotlighting the country’s rich cultural expression through music, fashion, film, art and festivals.
The minister made the call at the official launch of the 2025 December in Ghana celebrations, which was held at the Banquet Hall of Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, October 13, 2025.
“This growing recognition must inspire us to think bigger. We must move beyond seasonal success and build a sustainable creative economy. Our art, music, fashion and film are not just entertainment; they are tools of national branding, job creation, and international diplomacy.
“Every December, the world comes to Ghana to experience our warmth and creativity. The challenge is how to sustain that energy beyond December. And it begins with the creatives — our storytellers, musicians, filmmakers and designers. You shape the narrative of who Ghana is,” she said.
She emphasised that this year’s festival was closely aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of repositioning tourism, arts and culture as drivers of economic transformation. The government, she said, remained committed to creating a strong ecosystem that enabled creatives to thrive locally and compete globally.
“It is with great pride that we launch December in Ghana 2025 under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency President Mahama,” she said.
“This initiative has become more than a festive calendar; it is a powerful statement about who we are and what we represent to the world. This year’s edition carries renewed purpose to strengthen the Black Star Experience, making Ghana the gateway to authentic African heritage and creativity.
“We are not just hosting events; we are defining our identity, asserting our pride, and telling the world that Ghana is the home of Pan-African excellence,” she noted.
Madam Gomashie commended creative professionals, event organisers and local authorities for elevating the December in GH brand but urged them not to lose sight of the bigger vision. She encouraged collaboration, professionalism and innovation across the sector, reminding stakeholders that the creative industry must be treated as both an art and a business.
“Every creative must see themselves as an ambassador for Ghana. Let’s carry our stories to the world with confidence. Let’s make creativity our export. Ghana must not only be known for hosting events but for setting the standards of African excellence,” she emphasised.
The Coordinator of the Black Star Experience, Rex Omar, echoed the minister’s sentiments, stressing that December in GH had grown into a global platform that placed Ghana at the centre of Africa’s creative ecosystem.
“Our vision is simple but powerful. We want Ghana to be the meeting point of creativity — where African innovation, culture and enterprise intersect. December in GH is not just about entertainment; it’s about ownership, collaboration, and projecting African identity from Ghana to the world,” he stated.
This year’s December in GH calendar, curated by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Black Star Experience Secretariat, will feature over 100 events spanning music, fashion, film, food, theatre and business. Highlights include Rhythms on Da Runway: The Black Star Edition, Afrofuture Festival, Gospel Fest 2025, and a nationwide commemoration of 100 years of Highlife music.
With such a packed lineup, the minister believes the season offers more than celebration — it’s a springboard for Ghana to claim its place as the creative heartbeat of Africa.
