Culture

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

Published

5 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

PANAFRICA-GHANA hosts 3rd World Press Conference 25′ in Accra: A Bold step toward a Unified African Voice

Published

1 month ago

June 22, 2025

DerrickManny EveryWhere

In a remarkable show of unity, purpose, and global vision, Panafrica-Ghana (PAG) convened its 3rd World Press Conference 25 on Monday, 16th June in Accra, Ghana at the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and park, an event that proved both historic and forward-looking. The conference, held under the theme “Embrace PAN AFRICANISM- AFRICAN WAY OF LIBERATION”, aimed to amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage. The 3rd World Press Conference 25 marked a significant milestone in the organisation’s mission to connect African leaders, influencers, and changemakers across the continent and the diaspora.

A Celebration of Leadership and Vision

At the heart of the event was the inauguration of newly appointed Executive Members and World Artistic Ambassadors, distinguished individuals tasked with leading PAG’s advocacy efforts across borders. These leaders represent a wide range of sectors, including media, arts, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

Their appointment signals a renewed drive to influence policy, promote cultural identity, and accelerate social impact across Africa and in international corridors.

A Convergence of Influencers and Change Agents

The event drew a dynamic and diverse audience: media professionals, creatives, diplomats, development experts, and youth leaders from across Africa and beyond. It served as a platform for networking, storytelling, and agenda-setting, all centred on advancing Africa’s narrative and potential.

Board Chairman of the organisation, HRH Nana Amoah Kwadwo II ( HON. Hadji Mustaphar Issahk addressed critical themes, including pan-Africanism, economic empowerment, digital transformation, and the need for inclusive leadership in Africa’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Founder and president Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi emphasised that PanAfrica-Ghana (PAG) is a significant initiative that seeks to revitalise the spirit of Pan-Africanism, a movement that has been a beacon of hope for African liberation and unity. As Ghana plays host to this renaissance, it is essential to explore the theme and its relevance in today’s world. Pan-Africanism offers a unique perspective on liberation, one that is rooted in African values, experiences, and aspirations. He stated.

Special guest of honour, Her Excellency Mrs. Fedilia Graand-Galon, Ambassador of Suriname to Ghana, also addressed the need for a united African front to foster development and build a better Africa for Africans.

PAG’s Growing Global Influence.

Since its inception, Panafrica-Ghana has positioned itself as a visionary organisation dedicated to promoting African unity, advocating for African-led development, and fostering international partnerships. The World Press Conference 25 was a vivid reflection of this commitment, fusing culture, activism, and diplomacy in one powerful gathering.

The Road Ahead.

As PAG ushers in a new generation of leaders and ambassadors, the call to action remains clear: Africa must speak with one voice, and that voice must be heard on every platform that shapes our shared global future.

With the momentum gained from this year’s event, Panafrica-Ghana is set to expand its impact through initiatives that elevate African excellence, empower communities, and influence decision-making on a continental and global scale.

Stay connected to PAG’s journey as it continues to champion Africa’s narrative through strategic collaboration, cultural pride, and global advocacy.

Culture

GOVERNMENT TO COMPLETE THE STALLED AMPHITHEATRE PROJECTS BY NPP

Published

2 months 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

2 months 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