Abla Dzifa Gomashie urges ECOWAS culture ministers to work together

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called for stronger collaboration among West African nations to advance the region’s cultural and socio-economic development.

She made the call while delivering the closing address at the Validation Workshop of the Meeting of Experts and Ministers responsible for Culture, Finance and Social Welfare of ECOWAS, ECOSOC, in Accra on Friday, March 13, 2026.

In her remarks, the minister reflected on the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975 and the mandate given to the regional body to promote cooperation, integration and development among member states.

She emphasized that the vision behind ECOWAS can only be achieved through sustained partnership and collective commitment from all member countries.

Gomashie noted that culture remains a powerful tool for unity and development within the region.

She, therefore, encouraged member states to deepen collaboration in cultural initiatives that bring West Africans together and strengthen shared identity.

The minister also referenced the recently held ECOFEST in Senegal, describing the event as a major success that demonstrated the vibrancy and potential of West Africa’s cultural and creative industries.

She stressed the importance of sustaining such initiatives, noting that they provide valuable platforms for cultural exchange, tourism promotion and economic opportunity for creatives across the region.

As she concluded her address, Gomashie reminded ministers and experts present of the enduring words of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who said, "I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me."

She urged the leaders and stakeholders to work tirelessly toward a united and prosperous West Africa. She emphasized that the responsibility of building a stronger region lies with all member states and institutions.

The workshop brought together key regional and international stakeholders, including the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, representatives from the African Union, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the ECOWAS Parliament.

Officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and the Ministry of Finance were also present, underscoring the importance of cross-sector collaboration in promoting cultural development and social welfare within the ECOWAS-ECOSOC community.