In a move that signals growing international confidence in Ghana’s creative economy, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has intensified its collaboration with the World Bank to unlock the economic potential of the tourism and creative sectors.
Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie on Wednesday hosted a high-level delegation from the World Bank’s Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP) task team, in a meeting that centred on integrating culture, heritage, and the arts into Ghana’s broader development strategy.
The discussions were not just about tourism sites and visitor numbers—they explored how strategic investments in creative industries, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism models can generate jobs, diversify Ghana’s economy, and drive long-term inclusive growth.
Culture as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation
Minister Gomashie underscored the Ministry’s commitment to positioning culture and creativity as pillars of national development. She highlighted the importance of long-term planning, capacity-building, and coordinated stakeholder engagement to ensure that investment in the sector delivers maximum social and economic returns.
“This meeting builds on our shared vision of creating a vibrant, inclusive tourism and creative economy that uplifts communities and preserves our cultural identity,” she said.
She thanked the World Bank for its sustained support and called for deeper collaboration across sectors to ensure the successful implementation of the tourism components of the GETP.
World Bank Champions Ghana’s Cultural Economy
Mr. Andres F. Garcia, Senior Economist and leader of the World Bank team, reiterated the institution’s commitment to sustainable economic transformation, noting that Ghana’s rich cultural assets and creative talent offer immense untapped potential.
“Tourism and the creative arts are powerful vehicles for job creation and inclusive development. We are here to ensure that the right systems, infrastructure, and partnerships are in place to drive this agenda forward,” he said.
He stressed the importance of embracing forward-looking, sustainable development models, especially in the face of global competition for investment in cultural tourism and creative industries.
A Broader Vision Beyond Tourism
The meeting represents a shift in how Ghana’s tourism ministry is approaching development—not just as a promoter of destinations, but as a driver of economic transformation. From music and film to festivals, crafts, and heritage preservation, the ministry is aiming to reposition the sector as a major contributor to GDP.
By integrating tourism with the creative economy, the Ministry and its partners hope to unlock value chains that benefit youth, artisans, entrepreneurs, and rural communities alike.
With the World Bank’s technical and financial support, stakeholders say Ghana is poised to become a leading destination not just for tourists, but for cultural and creative excellence across the continent.
