EU, Expertise France launch Sankofa II to support cultural heritage
The European Union (EU) and Expertise France (EF) — the French interministerial agency in international cooperation and development — have launched Sankofa II, a €2.5-million project aimed at supporting the country’s cultural heritage sector and cultural and creative industries (CCIs).
The three-year project, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MTCCA), aims to address key opportunities within the targeted sectors by strengthening professional capacities, enhancing documentation and valorising Ghanaian cultural heritage, among other activities.
The Sankofa II will also foster economic opportunities by supporting the expansion of the CCIs in areas such as music, fashion and audiovisual.
It is expected to enhance cultural heritage valorisation and management, and also support innovation, access to funding and job creation in the cultural and creative industries.
The launch would be followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOoU) between the MTCCA and EF.
Commitment
Speaking at the launch, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, said the programme reflected the EU’s belief that culture and heritage were not luxuries, but catalysts for job creation, social cohesion and national identity.
“Culture and heritage are not luxury products; they are a catalyst for economic growth, for social cohesion, and for the preservation of identity in a rapidly changing world,” Mr Skinnebach said.
He added that the EU’s support for heritage, culture and the creative sectors was to build connections across communities, cultures and languages.
Mr Skinnebach stressed that monuments, cultural works and creative outputs resonated with people in different places and carry messages on tolerance, inclusion and shared human experience.
“From the earliest days of our education to our exploration of other cultures and self-development, Heritage and Culture offer a compass in our development, and help to bridge communities, countries and continents,” he said.
The EU Ambassador added that through the Sankofa II, the EU would “strengthen Ghana’s cultural and creative industries so that artists, curators and institutions can thrive”.
He said it would also help to foster cross-continental dialogue and Africa-Europe cultural partnerships through art, literature and history.
Mr Skinnebach also expressed the hope that the project would ensure that heritage was accessible and properly managed so that all Ghanaians could benefit and shape their own future.
Collaboration
The Deputy Head of Territorial Attractiveness, Culture, Heritage and Sport Division at Expertise France, Edwige Sauzon-Bouit, pledged to deepen collaboration with Ghanaian institutions to grow the country’s cultural and creative industries, describing the newly launched Sankofa II project as a direct response to locally identified priorities.
She said the project would build on years of partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and other cultural bodies.
Ms Sauzon-Bouit explained that Sankofa II was designed to support Ghana’s ambitions in heritage preservation, cultural and creative industries, youth empowerment and innovation.
She said the inception phase of Sankofa II had already shown strong mobilisation from Ghanaian institutions, artists, entrepreneurs and young creative persons.
“Their energy, creativity and commitment clearly demonstrate the extraordinary dynamism of Ghana’s cultural ecosystem.
We are, therefore, very proud to support this ambitious project, and we look forward to continuing these collaborations over the coming years,” Ms Sauzon-Bouit stated.
She added that the French international cooperation agency would contribute to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable cultural ecosystem in Ghana through the project.
Appreciation
The Director of Culture at MTCCA, Divine Owusu Ansah, said the project came at a critical time following concerns raised by UNESCO’s Reactive Monitoring Team.
“The Government of Ghana takes these concerns very seriously.
We are highly confident that the implementation of Sankofa II will significantly contribute to addressing the challenges identified,” he said.
Mr Owusu Ansah thanked the EU and Expertise France for their support, stating that the project went beyond conservation to restoring dignity, strengthening local capacity and empowering communities.
He urged the implementing team to work closely with the ministry, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and success.
