Ghana, Jamaica explore new opportunities in tourism and culture

Ghana and Jamaica have pledged to enhance collaboration in tourism, culture, and the creative arts following discussions in Accra between Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Mr Yussif Issaka Jajah, and Jamaica’s new ambassador, Lincoln G. Downer.

The meeting focused on strengthening ties and exploring new avenues for partnership between the two nations.

The deputy minister welcomed the ambassador and acknowledged the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries.

He mentioned existing collaborations in education and healthcare and stressed that Ghana remains a welcoming destination for Jamaicans.

Mr. Jajah highlighted Ghana’s tourism potential, including its 29 forts and castles, along with natural attractions.

He noted that while Ghana receives fewer visitors than Jamaica, it generates comparable revenue, indicating room for growth, and expressed interest in adopting strategies from Jamaica’s tourism sector.

Ambassador Downer referred to Ghana as a "spiritual home" for many Jamaicans, noting cultural similarities he observed during his travels in northern Ghana.

He proposed increased tourism cooperation, pointing to Jamaica’s $4 billion tourism revenue last year as an opportunity for shared learning.

He also called for revisiting a 2005 cultural agreement to enhance collaboration in heritage preservation, film, and animation.

The Director of Culture and Creative Arts, Divine Owusu Ansah, discussed Ghana’s efforts in heritage restitution, including partnerships with Colombia, and invited Jamaica to join these initiatives as Ghana prepares to lead ECOWAS’s restitution committee. He outlined plans for joint cultural projects, including a Ghanaian carnival with Jamaican support and expanded national festivals.

Mr. Geoffery Tamakloe, Director of Tourism, emphasized fostering a Pan-African spirit to boost unity and collaboration in tourism, trade, and culture among nations with shared African heritage.