FOCAP Welcomes New Cultural Attachés, Hails Boost for Ghana’s Creative Diplomacy

The Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) has welcomed the appointment of three new Cultural Attachés (Tourism Officers) to represent Ghana abroad, describing the decision as a landmark achievement for the country’s creative industry and a major boost for cultural diplomacy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, FOCAP said the appointments validate years of advocacy by the organisation for the establishment of Cultural Attaché positions within Ghana’s diplomatic missions to promote the country’s culture, tourism and creative economy on the global stage.

The organisation congratulated Kokui Selormey, who has been appointed Cultural Attaché (Tourism Officer) to Dubai, Akofa Edzeani, appointed Cultural Attaché (Tourism Officer) to Turkey, and Dr Akosua Abdallah, appointed Cultural Attaché (Tourism Officer) to Malaysia.

According to FOCAP, the appointments demonstrate growing recognition that Ghana’s creative and cultural industries should play a strategic role in the country’s international relations and economic development.

The organisation noted that it has consistently advocated for the creation of Cultural Attaché positions through public campaigns, media engagements and policy discussions, arguing that Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, tourism attractions and creative talents deserve dedicated representation across the world.

Speaking on the appointments, FOCAP President described the development as a significant milestone for Ghana’s creative sector.

“We are delighted that government has listened to the voices of industry stakeholders and has taken steps towards institutionalising cultural diplomacy. The appointment of Cultural Attachés (Tourism Officers) is not just about representation; it is about creating economic opportunities for our creative professionals, promoting Ghana’s identity globally and unlocking the full potential of the Orange Economy.”

FOCAP also praised the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for responding to the industry’s long-standing calls and taking concrete steps to give Ghana’s culture greater international visibility.

The organisation believes the newly appointed Cultural Attachés can serve as key ambassadors for promoting tourism, increasing creative exports, attracting international investment, strengthening global partnerships and enhancing engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora.

Despite welcoming the appointments, FOCAP urged the government to ensure that future appointments within the creative and cultural sector are based on professional competence, industry experience and proven expertise rather than political considerations.

According to the organisation, the creative economy requires professionals with a deep understanding of cultural diplomacy, intellectual property rights, international creative markets and the business of culture.

FOCAP stressed that Ghana’s embassies should be supported by qualified professionals capable of transforming the country’s creative strengths into economic opportunities.

The organisation further called on government to expand the Cultural Attaché (Tourism Officer) programme to more Ghanaian embassies and high commissions, particularly in countries with strong creative industries, high tourism potential and large Ghanaian communities.

FOCAP also appealed for greater institutional support for independent arts advocacy organisations that continue to influence policy and contribute to the growth of Ghana’s creative sector.

The foundation said it has remained one of the country’s most consistent voices championing reforms in the arts and creative industries through research, stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy aimed at building a sustainable creative economy.

FOCAP concluded by congratulating the newly appointed Cultural Attachés and expressed confidence that they would successfully promote Ghana’s cultural identity, tourism potential and creative aspirations on the international stage.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies that empower creative professionals, strengthen cultural institutions and position Ghana as a leading force in the global creative economy.