Gideon Aryeequaye, a seasoned media professional and former tourism executive, has been appointed as the Acting Executive Secretary of Ghana’s Creative Arts Agency (CAA). This appointment marks a significant transition for the agency, as Aryeequaye takes the reins from Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, who has steered the CAA since its establishment in 2020. Aryeequaye brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career, spanning journalism, broadcasting, and tourism management. His appointment arrives at a crucial juncture, as Ghana prepares to launch the Black Star Experience, a comprehensive initiative designed to elevate the nation’s cultural profile and boost its tourism sector. Aryeequaye’s mandate will be to effectively manage the CAA’s operations during this pivotal period.
Aryeequaye’s professional journey began in the media landscape, where he carved a niche for himself as a respected journalist and television newscaster. His tenure at TV3, a prominent television network in Ghana, cemented his reputation as a skilled communicator and engaging presenter. He gained widespread recognition for his role as the host of Ghana Most Beautiful, a popular reality show celebrating Ghanaian culture and heritage. Beyond his broadcasting work, Aryeequaye also honed his leadership skills in various newsroom roles. He served as Head of News at e-TV Ghana, further solidifying his experience in news gathering, production, and management. This background in media and communication equips him with valuable tools for effectively representing and promoting Ghana’s creative arts industry on both national and international platforms.
Beyond his contributions to the media landscape, Aryeequaye ventured into the realm of tourism leadership. He served as the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) from 2014 to 2017, a period marked by significant efforts to enhance Ghana’s tourism offerings. His experience at the GTDC provided him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of the tourism sector, including destination marketing, product development, and stakeholder engagement. This experience is particularly relevant to his new role at the CAA, given the interconnectedness of the creative arts and tourism industries. His understanding of tourism dynamics will be instrumental in aligning the CAA’s strategies with the broader national goals of promoting Ghana as a premier cultural and tourism destination.
Aryeequaye’s involvement in politics adds another dimension to his profile. A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), one of Ghana’s major political parties, he contested the party’s primaries for the Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfrom constituency in 2012. While his bid for parliamentary representation was unsuccessful, his participation in the political arena demonstrates his commitment to public service and his interest in shaping national policy. This experience provides him with an understanding of the political landscape and the mechanisms of government, which can be valuable in navigating the complexities of policy implementation and stakeholder engagement within the creative arts sector.
The Creative Arts Agency, established under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, plays a vital role in nurturing and developing Ghana’s vibrant creative arts industry. The CAA’s mandate encompasses a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, film, visual arts, performing arts, and literary arts. As Acting Executive Secretary, Aryeequaye will assume responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the agency, overseeing its operations, and ensuring its effective functioning. He will report to the board of the CAA, providing regular updates on the agency’s progress and seeking guidance on strategic decisions. A key aspect of his role will be to ensure the agency’s compliance with relevant industry regulations, promoting ethical practices, and upholding the highest standards of governance.
Aryeequaye’s appointment as Acting Executive Secretary comes at a time of heightened focus on the creative arts sector in Ghana. The government’s Black Star Experience agenda, aimed at showcasing the richness and diversity of Ghanaian culture, places a significant emphasis on the creative arts as a key driver of tourism and national identity. Aryeequaye’s leadership will be instrumental in translating this vision into concrete action, leveraging his experience and expertise to strengthen the creative arts ecosystem and maximize its contribution to the nation’s economic and cultural development. His mandate will be to facilitate the growth of the creative industries, fostering an environment conducive to innovation, creativity, and artistic expression. His success in this role will be measured by the CAA’s ability to effectively support artists, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to the overall success of the Black Star Experience.
