Govt rolls out revised cultural policy to deepen cultural development and economic growth

The Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has launched Ghana's Revised National Cultural Policy, describing it as a roadmap to preserve the country's heritage while strengthening the cultural and creative industries to support economic growth, job creation and social development.

The policy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063, positioning culture as an important pillar of national development.

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, the Vice President said the policy would help protect, promote and preserve Ghana's cultural heritage while enhancing the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to national development.

She noted that the framework recognises culture as a tool for inclusive growth, education, social cohesion and economic transformation.

She said the policy builds on Ghana's leadership on the global stage, citing the country's efforts at the United Nations that led to the adoption of a resolution recognising the impact of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

She stressed the importance of cultural intelligence and language preservation in an increasingly interconnected world.

According to her, promoting multilingualism and strengthening cultural institutions would help ensure that Ghanaian perspectives, values and experiences remain respected internationally and relevant at home.

The Vice President highlighted achievements within the cultural sector, including the inscription of Kente as a Geographical Indication and the growing international recognition of Highlife music.

She acknowledged the contributions of Ghanaians in the diaspora, whose investments, advocacy, talents and cultural connections continue to support the country's creative economy.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed appreciation to UNESCO, the European Union, development partners, civil society organisations and private sector actors for their support of Ghana's cultural agenda.

She urged all stakeholders to work together as the country begins implementing the revised policy, adding that collective efforts would be needed to unlock the full potential of Ghana's culture and creativity for national development.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, said the revised policy was the outcome of years of consultations with stakeholders across the country.

She explained that it would support creative entrepreneurs, encourage cultural investments and promote the integration of culture into national development planning.

The launch reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to using culture as a driver of sustainable development, heritage preservation, economic empowerment and international cultural engagement.