Gideon Aryeequaye Appointed Ag. Executive Secretary of Creative Arts Agency

Stepping in as a principal character in building the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) as Deputy CEO, Gideon Aryeequaye has been appointed as the Ag. of Creative Arts agency, one of the agencies under the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts.

He takes over from Gyankroma Akufo-Addo who led the agency following its establishment in 2020.

His appointment is perceived to be a strategic move to drive the Black Star Experience agenda, aimed at boosting the country’s Culture, Art, and Tourism sector.

Aryeequaye brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having played a key part in shaping the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) as Deputy CEO during the previous administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

The Creative Arts Agency is a body that provides an institutional framework for the development and management of the creative arts industry and for related matters.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency is appointed by the President of the Republic of Ghana. This official is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Agency and is answerable to the Board in the performance of functions stipulated in the Creative Industry Act (1048).

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie pledged to critically assess the operations of the Creative Arts Agency in a bid to revitalise Ghana’s tourism and creative arts sector during her vetting by the Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (Related article: I will take a critical look at the operations of Creative Arts Agency – Dzifa Gomashie)

According to her, a detailed review of the agency’s functions is essential to ensure alignment with the broader objectives of the ministry and its associated institutions.

She noted that the agency, at its inception, was conceived as a “multi-purpose vehicle” rather than a standalone agency and expressed a commitment to reviewing its role as a pivotal contributor to national development through tourism and the arts.