Culture

DR. RICHARDSON COMMEY FIO – GHANA’S GATEWAY TO PROMOTE CULTURE – KOJO PREKO DANKWA

Published

4 months ago

February 24, 2025

I was reading a research paper titled: Cultural Policy in Action: An Examination of Centres for National Culture in Ghana by John Abbam Nyarko and Beatrice Debordes. It was published on November 2,2024.

According to the research paper, the cultural sector employs tens of thousands and contributes about 1.53% to the Ghanaian Gross Domestic Product.

The paper speaks to a report from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture 2014, which states that cultural goods and services globally are valued in excess of 592 billion and between 2009 – 2012, Ghana exported cultural products (handicrafts) of 12.54 million dollars(Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture 2014,8-12).

Another outstanding revelation l read was that, in Ghana, the creative and cultural sector employs 784,149 (Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture 2014, 32).

This reveals how powerful and potential the cultural and creative sector is and therefore needs the right people and proper leadership to serve in these spaces.

This also provides the answer to the agenda of Culture Arts and Tourism (CAT) as Culture is seen and identified as the driver of Tourism industry in Ghana.

Knowing the very important aspect of growth in our cultural sector, my lenses still capture Dr Richardson Commey Fio, the current deputy executive director, as the main visionary leader to see us move into greater heights in our agenda to promote and improve our culture space.

A man who is bold to speak on our cultural policy and believes that the decision by Ghana’s government to solicit financial support from foreign powers to fashion out its cultural policy is not a good idea. ” When it comes to culture, as a country, we need not be relying on Western support because that is the fundamentally where your right and identity can be targeted.”

He was the only cultural expert l heard speak vehemently with strong disapproval on the trend of male content creators on Tik Tok dressing as women. Dr Richardson Commey Fio is an exceptional leader with boldness.

In my quest to find out how he has influenced the National Commission on Culture with his ideas and leadership, l found out that in 2018, there were some major intervention Which happened at the Commission of which he played an integral major role in implementation.

1- A new scheme of service

2- Mid- Year and end of year review meetings for the regional centres

3- COVID -19 nationwide campaign

4- UNESCO Aschberg project and various UNESCO projects

5- Capacity building workshop building organised across the country. Some of which lam told sponsored from his own pocket.

6- The review of the NCC Act, PNDC law 238.

7- initiated the review of the cultural policy, which was later taken over by the Ministry.

8- proposed for the adoption of the Ministry, the formation of Ghana focal team for the repatriation of restitution of illegally trafficked and stolen cultural objects and artefacts to place of origin.

9- He is currently leading in ensuring better condition of service for directors. Engaging Ministry of Finance and Controller and Accountant General.

If today there is any of the regional centres on social media (visibility), it is because of Mr Richardson Commey Fio capacity building and initiative to ensure NCC take advantage of the media to promote what NCC does across the country and even beyond.

The belief and hope l have in Mr Richardson Commey Fio is not far-fetched. l believe in his capabilities and potential to uplift the image, brand awareness, engage the cultural fraternity, and most importantly, bridge the gap between arts and tourism.

I plead with Mr. President, and Minister for Tourism Culture and Creative Arts to appoint Dr Richardson Commey Fio as the new Executive Director of National Commission On Culture.

Culture

GOVERNMENT TO COMPLETE THE STALLED AMPHITHEATRE PROJECTS BY NPP

Published

4 weeks ago

May 21, 2025

Sunshynbaby

The director of creative arts and tourism at the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts, Mr Divine Owusu Ansah, has revealed that the current government will complete the construction of the amphitheatres which was inherited from the previous government.

He was speaking to Kojo Preko Dankwa, host of Kessben Entertainment on Kessben 92.9 fm. In a telephone interview, Mr Divine Owusu Ansah explained that the construction of the amphitheatres during the NPP era was under the a world bank project called the Ghana Tourism Development Project. According to him, the project ended in July 2023, and an extension was given by the World Bank, which also ended in 2024.

This he further stated stalled the project and

the government then did not have the financial muscle to complete the amphitheatres projects since the World Bank project expired.

He said the current minister, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, and his deputy minister have engaged the minister for finance, honourable Ato Forson to help complete the construction of the amphitheatres which was inherited by the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts.

Mr Divine Owusu Ansah further revealed that the Ministry of Finance has agreed to complete the construction of the amphitheatres under the Ghana Economic Transformation project. Mr Divine Owusu Ansah said the paperwork is currently ongoing to see the project back on track.

It will be recalled that President john Dramani Mahama had promised to complete all projects under construction, which was left by the previous government.

This comes at the back of pressure from Foundation Of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) asking the ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts to immediately set out the parameters and also with immediate effect inform stakeholders the current situation of the construction of the amphitheatres.

Mark Okraku Mantey, the former deputy minister for Tourism Arts and Culture who led the agenda to construct the amphitheatres, failed to honour his promise to deliver fully functional amphitheatres across the country.

Story: Kojo Preko Dankwa.

Culture

Ghana Tourism Authority Invites Event Proposals for “December in GH” 2025

Published

4 weeks ago

May 20, 2025

Sunshynbaby

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has opened a call for event proposals for the 2025 edition of December in GH, a month-long celebration of culture, heritage, entertainment, and reconnection.

Aligned with the spirit of the Black Star Experience, Ghana’s premier tourism initiative, December in GH continues to position Ghana as the ultimate destination for culture, heritage, entertainment and reconnection.

Taking place during the festive holiday season, December in GH spans a full month of curated events across music, fashion, art, culture and nightlife, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world.

Each year, the season welcomes a vibrant mix of the Ghanaian diaspora returning home, as well as the historical diaspora reconnecting with their African roots.

Speaking on the announcement, Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said, “December in GH is more than a festive celebration, it is a movement that showcases Ghana’s vibrant spirit to the world. As we embrace the Black Star Experience, we are setting the stage for our biggest December season yet, and we look forward to innovative events that will elevate Ghana’s place as a leading destination for culture, entertainment, and heritage tourism.”

GTA has extended invitation to event organisers, promoters and cultural curators to submit proposals for events scheduled between December 1, 2025 to January 3, 2026 that will contribute to a vibrant and diverse calendar of activities across the country.

The deadline for submissions is June 16, 2025. A selection committee will review proposals to ensure high-quality events that reflect Ghana’s creativity, hospitality, and global appeal. Selected events will be featured on the official December in GH 2025 calendar.

Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, expressed excitement about working with event organizers who bring fresh ideas to December in GH.

The campaign aims to boost tourism, strengthen cultural industries, and reinforce Ghana’s reputation as the gateway to Africa.

Source: 3News

Culture

Asantehene directs Mamponghemaa to bury late Mamponghene in next 3 weeks

Published

1 month ago

May 5, 2025

Sunshynbaby

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has directed the Asante Mamponghemaa, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, to organise the burial of the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, in the next few weeks.

Otumfuo has directed that the one-week observation of the second-in-command of Asanteman, should be organised next Monday, May 12, insisting that he does not want to entertain any delays in the organisation of the burial (Doteyie).

After the one-week observation, the Asantehene wants the burial (Doteyie) to be organised three weeks afterwards for him [Asantehene] to bury his second-in-command and Occupant of the Silver Stool of Asanteman.

In the meantime, the Asantehene has put all Asanteman Council meetings on hold until the burial is over.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s 75th birthday on Tuesday, May 6, will be observed in a solemn mood because of the demise of the Mamponghene.

At a meeting of Asanteman in Kumasi on Monday [May 5], Otumfuo Osei Tutu II directed that he wanted everything, including finding a replacement chief for the late Occupant of the Silver Stool, to be done immediately after the 40-day observation.

According to Otumfuo, he wants the successor to be found immediately after the 40 days, for the successor to organise the 80 days observation after the death.

These were the highlights when Asanteman gathered at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, where the death of the Asante Mamponghene was announced to the entire gathering of paramount chiefs in Asanteman.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II passed on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

In line with tradition, the Asantehene was informed about the death last Monday.

Following that, a public announcement was made by the Gyaasehene, Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsa in Mampong.

The 86-year-old Mamponghene was first taken to the KNUST Hospital in Kumasi on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from where he was referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), also in Kumasi, where he was pronounced dead.

Who was Daasebre Osei Bonsu II?

Born on December 31, 1939, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was known privately as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie. He was an economist and a lawyer.

He served as a Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and retired in 1999.

He reigned as Mamponghene for over 28 years.

His mother was affectionately called Teacher Mary Gyimah (one of the pioneer women educationists in the Gold Coast and pre-independence era) of the Botaase Bretuo Royal Family of Asante-Mampong.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu was a product of Prempeh College and the University of Ghana, Legon.

He had a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Economics, Political Science and Modern History and held an L.L.B. (Hons) – Law.

Before Enstoolment

Before he was enstooled as Mamponghene, Daasebre started as an Assistant Registrar at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 1972 and by dint of hard work rose through the ranks and was appointed as Registrar in 1991 till he retired in 1999.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu was enstooled on August 25, 1996 when he succeeded his uncle, Nana Atakora Amaniampong II, who had abdicated.

The ascension of Daasebre Osei Bonsu to the Amaniampong Stool brought finality to the protracted chieftaincy litigation which had spanned almost two decades.

The chieftaincy litigation brought about disaffection and intolerance among the people and eventually brought development to a halt.

Mamponghene having assumed the mantle of leadership of the Amaniampong Silver Stool essentially changed the face of chieftaincy in his traditional area.

Indeed, he brought some satisfactory level of innovation, dynamism, diligence and progress to the traditional area.

Daasebre’s accomplished and outstanding administrative prowess manifested in his role as Chief of Mampong and Asanteman which had contributed to a lot of transformation and development.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu singled-handedly sponsored a large number of brilliant, needy children in the Mampong area in some tertiary institutions and senior high schools.

Traditional position

Daasebre Osei Bonsu was a member and permanent Vice-President, Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, Chairman of the Standing Committee, Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Asanteman Council, a member of the National House of Chiefs, a member of the Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs.

Family

Daasebre Osei Bonsu was married to Mrs Janet Dorothy Gyimah-Kessie, a devoted and God-fearing woman.

The couple has one daughter, Dr Naana Mary Gyimah-Kessie, a medical practitioner.