GTA hosts Columbus delegation to deepen cultural, tourism ties

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has welcomed a high-level delegation from Columbus, Ohio in the United States of America as part of efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy, heritage tourism and economic collaboration between Ghana and the diaspora.  

The delegation, led by former Mayor of Columbus, Ohio, Michael B. Coleman, comprises civic leaders, philanthropists, arts patrons and cultural advocates engaged in governance, business, healthcare, education and the creative arts.  

The visit, hosted by Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Chief Executive Officer, GTA, reflects Ghana’s growing global influence as a hub for cultural exchange, heritage tourism and creative industry collaboration.  

Other members of the delegation included arts advocate Deidre Hamlar Stephens, real estate and housing development leader Charles Hillman, non-profit executive Jatona “Toni” Cunningham, and global branding strategist, Sebastian Ibel.  

The others are healthcare advocate and author Sharon Malone, philanthropists Keith B. Key, Donica Key, arts curator, Rebecca McCabe Ibel, and corporate and philanthropic leader Janelle N. Coleman.  

The delegation represents a cross-section of American leadership and reflects the multidimensional partnership Ghana is building with cities across the United States.  

Speaking on the significance of the visit, Houadjeto said the engagement offered an opportunity to deepen relationships that connected culture, creativity and economic opportunity between Ghana and international partners. 

“This visit reflects the growing global interest in Ghana as a hub for culture, heritage and creative exchange. We are proud to welcome our partners from Columbus and look forward to building long-term collaborations that benefit both our communities,” she said.  

During their stay, the delegation will participate in curated cultural experiences, heritage tours and strategic engagements with tourism stakeholders and creative industry leaders.  

The visit will also involve meetings with policy officials and cultural institutions to explore partnerships in areas such as cultural exchange, arts collaboration, tourism promotion and community development.  

The engagement is expected to strengthen cooperation in cultural exchange and arts partnerships, tourism promotion and heritage travel, education and youth leadership programmes, creative industry collaboration, and economic and philanthropic partnerships.  

Houadjeto said the presence of internationally respected figures in business, philanthropy, healthcare and the arts highlighted Ghana’s growing role as a cultural anchor for the African diaspora.  

“The visit forms part of Ghana’s broader strategy to strengthen diaspora engagement while positioning the country as a leading destination for heritage tourism, cultural exchange and creative industry investment,” she said.