Paragraph 1: Launching a Celebration of Heritage
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts (MOTCCA), officially launched the 2025 Heritage Month, a flagship initiative designed to showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage and promote domestic tourism. The event, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on March 3, 2025, brought together key stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality sectors, including representatives from the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), the Ghana Hotels Association, industry leaders, and media. Observed annually in March, Heritage Month coincides with Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations, amplifying national pride while bolstering economic activity within the tourism sector.
Paragraph 2: Objectives and Vision for Heritage Month
The core objectives of Heritage Month, as outlined by Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO of the GTA, are multifaceted. The initiative aims to raise awareness of Ghana’s unique cultural identity through the celebration of music, arts, food, and festivals. It seeks to promote locally made products and services, enhancing the global competitiveness of the creative arts industry. Attracting investment by showcasing the cultural and economic potential of Ghana’s diverse regions and districts is another key goal. Furthermore, the initiative aims to strengthen national unity through shared cultural experiences and drive domestic tourism via campaigns such as "Experience Ghana, Share Ghana" and "See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana."
Paragraph 3: Integrating Culture into Tourism and Hospitality
Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the GTA, urged businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors to actively incorporate Ghanaian culture into their operations. This includes prioritizing local dishes and beverages in their offerings and developing cultural and historical tour packages. Highlighting the vital role of music in preserving Ghana’s identity, she called on the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) to champion highlife and traditional musical genres. She also encouraged Ghanaians to support the "Wear Ghana" campaign, which aims to bolster the local textile industry and empower artisans and designers.
Paragraph 4: Connecting Heritage Month to the Black Star Experience
A significant aspect of the 2025 Heritage Month is its alignment with the government’s "Black Star Experience," an initiative designed to position Ghana as the premier destination in Africa for the global diaspora. The program offers immersive cultural, historical, and creative arts experiences developed in collaboration with the private sector, diplomatic missions, and government agencies. This includes a diverse range of activities, from street carnivals and film screenings to fashion festivals, food fairs, and theatrical performances. The initiative also leverages Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism to further diversify Ghana’s tourism sector.
Paragraph 5: Showcasing Ghanaian Cuisine and Culture
A highlight of Heritage Month 2025 is the GTA-hosted Food and Cultural Fair, scheduled for March 14th at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. This event, held in partnership with the Chefs Association, Traditional Caterers, Indigenous Caterers, and the Heritage Food and Drinks Association, showcases the diversity and richness of indigenous Ghanaian cuisine. It represents a tangible manifestation of the initiative’s commitment to celebrating and promoting Ghana’s culinary heritage.
Paragraph 6: A Calendar Rich with Cultural Events
The 2025 Heritage Month calendar is filled with a vibrant array of events showcasing Ghana’s cultural depth and diversity. Key activities include Ghana Music Month, celebrating the country’s musical heritage; the Heritage Caravan, a road trip exploring historical sites and cultural landmarks; the Made in Ghana Rave, promoting locally produced goods and crafts; the Akwaaba Festival, showcasing Ghanaian hospitality and cultural diversity; the Gob3 Festival, a celebration of the popular Ghanaian dish; and Taste 68 @ 68 Food Fair, highlighting the country’s diverse traditional dishes. This dynamic program promises a memorable celebration of Ghanaian identity, inviting both citizens and visitors alike to experience the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.
