The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts (MOTCCA), has officially unveiled the 2025 Heritage Month. This flagship initiative aims to celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, promote domestic tourism, and strengthen the creative arts industry.
The launch event, held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, brought together key players in the tourism and hospitality sectors, including members of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), the Ghana Hotels Association, industry leaders, and media representatives.
A Celebration of Ghanaian Heritage
Heritage Month, observed every March, is designed to highlight Ghana’s cultural wealth through festivals, traditional cuisine, arts, crafts, and music. It coincides with the country’s Independence Day celebrations on March 6, reinforcing national pride while boosting tourism-related economic activities.
At the launch, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, outlined the initiative’s core objectives:
- Raising awareness of Ghana’s cultural identity through music, arts, food, and festivals.
- Promoting locally made products and services to enhance the global competitiveness of the creative arts industry.
- Attracting investments by showcasing the cultural and economic potential of Ghana’s regions and districts.
- Strengthening national unity through shared cultural experiences.
- Driving domestic tourism through campaigns such as “Experience Ghana, Share Ghana” and “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana.”
Encouraging Industry Participation
CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, called on tourism and hospitality businesses to incorporate Ghanaian culture into their operations. She urged hotels, restaurants, and nightlife venues to prioritize local dishes and beverages while encouraging tour operators to develop cultural and historical travel packages.
Additionally, she emphasized the role of music in preserving Ghana’s identity, calling on the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) to promote highlife and traditional rhythms. She also encouraged Ghanaians to support the “Wear Ghana” campaign to boost the local textile industry and empower artisans and designers.
The Black Star Experience – A Key Tourism Initiative
A major highlight of the 2025 Heritage Month is its alignment with the government’s “Black Star Experience,” an initiative aimed at positioning Ghana as Africa’s top destination for the global diaspora. This program will feature immersive cultural, historical, and creative arts experiences, developed in collaboration with the private sector, diplomatic missions, and government agencies.
Planned activities include street carnivals, film screenings, fashion festivals, food fairs, theatrical performances, and domestic tourism campaigns. The initiative will also incorporate Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism to diversify Ghana’s tourism sector.
“We are thrilled to announce that, as part of Heritage Month and in line with The Black Star Experience, the Ghana Tourism Authority will host a Food and Cultural Fair to showcase indigenous Ghanaian cuisine,” Houadjeto revealed. “The event is scheduled for March 14, 2025, at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, in partnership with the Chefs Association, Traditional Caterers, Indigenous Caterers, and the Heritage Food and Drinks Association.”
Exciting Lineup of Events
The 2025 Heritage Month calendar is packed with events that celebrate Ghana’s cultural vibrancy. Some of the key activities include:
- Ghana Music Month – A tribute to Ghana’s rich musical heritage.
- Heritage Caravan – A road trip exploring Ghana’s historical sites and cultural landmarks.
- Made in Ghana Rave – A showcase of locally produced goods and crafts.
- Akwaaba Festival – A festival promoting Ghanaian hospitality and cultural diversity.
- Gob3 Festival – A culinary event celebrating Ghana’s popular beans-and-plantain dish.
- Taste 68 @ 68 Food Fair – A unique food festival highlighting Ghana’s diverse traditional dishes.
With a packed schedule of activities, the 2025 Heritage Month promises to be a dynamic celebration of Ghana’s identity, bringing together Ghanaians and visitors to experience the country’s rich cultural tapestry.
