By Hafsa Obeng/ Eugenia Otenwaa
Accra, Feb. 7, GNA – Ghana will showcase and promote her rich cultural heritage through a new partnership with Norway, which intends to promoting tourist destinations and highlighting the cultural and economic vibrancy of both countries.
The Ghana-Norway Cultural Exchange Project is a new initiative aimed at strengthening cultural ties between the two countries through collaborative performances, artistic exchanges, and shared cultural practices.
The two-day annual event, to be organised by the National Folklore Board, is partnering with Infinity Events to bring entertainment to participants.
This project is designed in a two-part initiative with distinct phases in both Ghana and Norway.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, speaking at the launch of the project, in Accra, said it aims to foster understanding and exchange between the cultures of Ghana and Norway through collaborations in music, dance, art, traditional practices, and other forms of cultural expressions.
The project aligns with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama-led government to position Ghana as a global cultural hub.
It is expected to provide opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and aspirations for new creative possibilities that promote social cohesion, economic growth and sustainable development.
Madam Gomashie said it presented an incredible opportunity for cultural exchange, education and expression of Ghanaian, Norwegian artists, performers and academics, and economic potential on the creative arts economy.
“This initiative contributes significantly to Ghana’s creative arts economy because it provides our artists and cultural practitioners with new opportunities to thrive and expand their reach beyond our borders,” she said.
Dr Akosua Abadallah, President, International Theatre Institute, Ghana Chapter, said the Ghana phase of the project, which would be the first phase, would feature cultural exhibitions and performances, combining both Ghanaian and Norwegian artistic elements through visual arts, theater, and music.
She said the Norway phase would be the second and would showcase Ghanaian traditions, storytelling, and arts across various Norwegian venues, highlighting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
The project’s educational component will see universities and cultural institutions hosting discussions on cultural sustainability and creative entrepreneurship. Local communities and grassroots artists will be actively involved to promote inclusivity and preserve cultural heritage.
Mrs Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, Executive Director, National Folklore Board, highlighted the Board’s commitment to international cultural visibility.
She noted that the project followed a successful 2024 cultural exchange with Switzerland and would help participants to better understand and promote the Ghanaian cultural heritage.
The initiative aims to promote both countries business and tourist destinations highlighting the cultural and economic vibrancy of Ghana and Norway, encouraging business tourism and cultural investment inflows.
“Let us appreciate what we have, let’s package what we have, so that we can make both economic and social benefits from what we have as our cultural heritage”, she urged stakeholders.
GNA