Ghana has secured a major international commitment to strengthen the preservation of its cultural heritage after the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, successfully led the country’s delegation to the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea.

The high-level mission resulted in significant financial, technical and capacity-building support aimed at improving the conservation, management and sustainable development of Ghana’s World Heritage properties, particularly the country’s historic Forts and Castles.

During the session, the Ghanaian delegation actively participated in deliberations of the World Heritage Committee while holding strategic bilateral meetings with key international heritage institutions. These included the Africa World Heritage Fund (AWHF), the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHIPIC), the Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO, and the Executive Director of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO.

The discussions focused on enhancing Ghana’s heritage management systems, strengthening technical expertise and mobilising international resources to address the conservation challenges facing the country’s World Heritage sites.

One of the major outcomes of the visit was a commitment by the Africa World Heritage Fund to support the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) through specialised human resource development and capacity-building programmes. The initiative is expected to strengthen professional expertise in heritage conservation and improve the long-term management of Ghana’s heritage assets.

In addition, WHIPIC pledged technical assistance by providing specialised training for officers of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board in heritage site interpretation and visitor experience management. The programme is expected to improve the presentation of Ghana’s historical sites to both local and international visitors, enhancing tourism and public appreciation of the country’s cultural heritage.

A major highlight of the visit was a US$3.5 million pledge by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO to support restoration works at six selected Forts and Castles in Ghana. The funding will complement the Government of Ghana’s ongoing efforts to implement UNESCO’s conservation recommendations and preserve some of the country’s most important historical monuments for future generations.

While in South Korea, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, accompanied by Ghana’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Kojo Choi, and members of the Ghanaian delegation, also attended the graduation ceremony of six Ghanaian officials who completed a specialised heritage capacity-building programme organised by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO in Seoul.

The beneficiaries were drawn from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ghana National Commission for UNESCO, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They received intensive training on managing the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage sites, equipping them with the technical knowledge and skills required to strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s World Heritage properties against climate-related threats.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Hon. Gomashie congratulated the participants for completing the programme and expressed Ghana’s appreciation to the Korean National Commission for UNESCO for its continued investment in building the country’s heritage management capacity.

She further expressed Ghana’s gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea, UNESCO, the Africa World Heritage Fund and WHIPIC for their continued partnership and confidence in Ghana’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, to safeguard and promote Ghana’s cultural heritage as a key driver of tourism development, education, employment creation and sustainable national development.

The Ghanaian delegation comprised Mrs Meredith Naakai Lamptey Addy, Ghana’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO; Prof. Usman Damba, Secretary-General of the Ghana National Commission for UNESCO; Mr Kwesi Essel Blankson, Acting Executive Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board; and Mr Divine Kwame Owusu-Ansah, Director for Culture and Creative Arts at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

The successful mission is expected to significantly strengthen Ghana’s heritage conservation efforts while enhancing the country’s tourism potential through improved preservation and management of its internationally recognised cultural sites.

KOREA PRESS RELEASE

Gospel musician Obaapa Christy has paid an emotional tribute to Mabel Intuah, the late sister of actress Vivian Jill Lawrence, describing her as a selfless and supportive person whose kindness had a major impact on her life and career.

Speaking in an interview on Okay FM, the award-winning gospel singer said Mabel was more than just a friend or acquaintance, but someone who played a significant role in helping her connect with influential people and grow professionally.

According to Obaapa Christy, Mabel consistently created opportunities for her by introducing her to important personalities and helping her build valuable relationships that contributed to her journey.

She revealed that she had spent time with Mabel only a few days before her passing, during which she requested her assistance with some errands. She said Mabel willingly offered to help without hesitation.

The gospel artiste also spoke about their close relationship, noting that Mabel often drove her to various places because of how frequently they spent time together. She jokingly referred to herself as Mabel’s “personal chauffeur” due to their constant movement together.

Obaapa Christy recalled that Mabel had been assisting her with preparations for an upcoming programme and had promised to personally take her to meet some prominent personalities she wanted to invite.

“I even spoke to her on Wednesday when she told me she was in the hospital,” she said.

Although Mabel informed her that she was not feeling well, Obaapa Christy said she never imagined the situation would become tragic, as they had plans to meet the following day.

She explained that she was devastated after receiving a phone call informing her of Mabel’s passing.

“I asked what was wrong, and she said her condition wasn’t looking good, but I assured her everything would be fine. Then later in the evening, I heard she had passed away. Since then, I have been devastated and have had to cancel most of my appointments,” she recounted.

The singer admitted that the loss has taken a heavy emotional toll on her, adding that she is still struggling to accept the death of someone who had been such a dependable and important presence in her life.

Mabel Adwoa Intuah, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mayan Stitches, passed away shortly after celebrating her 50th birthday.

Ghanaian reggae and dancehall artiste Ras Kuuku has rejected the idea that artificial intelligence (AI) can replace human creativity, insisting that genuine songwriting comes from personal experiences, talent, and originality.

Speaking in an interview with entertainment journalist Joseph Owusu Worae, the award-winning musician said he has no problem with artistes using AI as a supportive tool but believes technology cannot match his songwriting abilities.

Ras Kuuku explained that some of his popular songs, including “Adie3 Bekye,” were created long before AI became widely used in music production, which according to him proves the strength and authenticity of his craft.

“AI is being used in many fields, and I can’t say I don’t use it in some things I do. But musically, I didn’t even know AI could write songs. ‘Adie3 Bekye’ and many of my best songs came before AI. When I compare myself with AI, I’ve realised I’m a better songwriter than AI,” he said.

The musician warned that excessive reliance on AI could affect the creativity of young artistes. He argued that while technology can provide support and inspiration, it should not take over the creative process.

“AI can never give me a song like ‘Adie3 Bekye.’ If you depend too much on it, your creativity will sleep. The people who created AI used their own brains, so we also need to use ours. AI can add a thing or two, but it shouldn’t do everything for us,” he stated.

Ras Kuuku further revealed that he would not allow AI to write songs for him because his career has been built on original compositions and personal creativity.

He encouraged emerging musicians to remain authentic, stressing that true talent is proven through live performances.

“When you pick up the microphone to perform, AI won’t be there to sing for you. That’s why it’s important to stay original. AI can help, but don’t depend on it too much or you’ll lose your way,” he advised.

The reggae star maintained that every song in his catalogue was written from scratch by him, adding that the use of AI in music remains a personal choice for artistes.

Source:3news