The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has officially launched Ghana Heritage Month 2026 with a colorful ceremony at the Nationalism Park, setting the tone for a month-long celebration of culture, identity, and national pride.
The event, held on Monday, March 2, brought together dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, chief executives of agencies under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, tourism industry stakeholders, and members of the GTA Board.
Among the special guests were UNESCO’s Head of Office and Representative to Ghana, Edmond Moukala, and Canada’s Culture Attaché, Karina Gould, who joined other development partners to celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
In her address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, paid tribute to Ghana’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah, describing his vision as one rooted in cultural identity and self-reliance.
“Osaagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah envisioned a proud, self-sustaining nation anchored on its culture and identity. Today, we are reminded that our heritage is not a relic of the past, but the foundation of our future,” she said.
She urged Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of the celebration by consciously promoting local culture.
“Let us eat Ghanaian, wear Ghanaian, and be truly Ghanaian. Heritage Month is a clarion call for us to celebrate our culture intentionally and boldly,” she added.
According to her, Ghana’s cultural heritage remains one of the country’s strongest competitive advantages and a key driver of tourism growth, job creation, and national development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, called on citizens across the country to actively participate in activities lined up for the month.
“This is our month. It is a time to reconnect with our roots, celebrate our diversity, and project Ghana confidently to the world,” she stated.
She also extended an invitation to members of the diplomatic community to immerse themselves in Ghanaian culture.
“We invite our diplomatic partners not only to observe but to immerse themselves in our traditions, our cuisine, our music, and our stories. Ghana Heritage Month belongs to all who call Ghana home,” the Minister said.
In a solidarity message, Edmond Moukala reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Ghana in preserving and promoting both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
He highlighted culture as a critical driver of sustainable development and commended Ghana for consistently placing heritage at the center of its national agenda.
The Minister later joined the GTA CEO and other dignitaries to officially declare Ghana Heritage Month 2026 open, symbolizing the start of activities nationwide.
The program opened with a prayer by Deputy CEO in charge of Operations, Ekow Sampson, while Deputy CEO for Marketing and Special Duties, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, served as Master of Ceremony.
The ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances and a strong display of traditional attire, reflecting Ghana’s diverse heritage.
It also attracted chief executives of agencies under the Ministry and key players within the tourism industry, including Shea Butter Ambassador, Hamamat Montia, whose presence underscored the importance of indigenous products and local enterprise in promoting Ghana’s cultural identity.
The well-attended launch, marked by patriotic fervor, sets the stage for a month of activities aimed at deepening national pride, boosting tourism, and strengthening Ghana’s position as a leading cultural destination on the continent and beyond.
Pictures of the occassion:
Source: myxyzonline.com
