Creative Arts Minister calls for formalised engagement ahead of key meeting

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has directed stakeholders in the creative sector to formalize their engagement with the Ministry through written submissions and structured communication, as preparations intensify for a major stakeholder meeting (WIPO) scheduled for the 22nd - 24th of June this year.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives from the Writers Project of Ghana and the Foundation for Contemporary Art Ghana, the Minister emphasised that verbal presentations alone are insufficient, stressing that all proposals must be formally documented to ensure proper review, institutional memory, and continuity within the Ministry.

She raised concerns over weak institutional linkages between sector players and the Ministry, warning that the lack of formal engagement risks excluding key stakeholders from major events and policy processes.

She urged creative industry actors to strengthen collaboration through official channels to secure sustained recognition and participation.

The Minister also highlighted systemic challenges within the Ministry, particularly the historical lack of sector-specific expertise in leadership roles, which she said has contributed to gaps in documentation and continuity.

She called for stronger integration between political leadership and the civil service to address these issues.

Representatives from the Foundation of Contemporary Arts , led by Martin Egblewogbe, outlined the organization’s contributions since its establishment in 2010, including literary festivals, writing workshops, a long-running literary radio programme with Citi FM, and the publication of poetry and short story anthologies.

The group noted its reliance on international partnerships and called for stronger local institutional collaboration.

Similarly, the Foundation for Contemporary Art Ghana highlighted over two decades of work in exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies, as well as its facilitation of international exchange programmes, including partnerships with Austrian institutions and collaborations with Museums.

The organisation also operates project and library spaces and supports Ghanaian artists’ participation on global platforms.

Both organisations emphasised ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration between literary and visual arts and expressed their commitment to supporting the growth of Ghana’s creative sector.

They appealed for increased Ministry backing to expand their programmes, deepen local engagement, and enhance the global visibility of Ghanaian Arts and Culture.

The meeting was attended by key Ministry officials, including the Chief Director, Joseph Kwasi Amoah; Director of Finance and Administration, Christiana Akrong; Director of Culture, Richardson Commey Fio; Director of Human Resources, Otto Languemane; and the Director of Tourism, Dr Geoffery Tamakloe.