By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Feb. 27, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to repositioning the “Black Star Experience” as a distinctively Ghanaian tourism brand.
The initiative, a flagship programme for the tourism sector, is designed to establish Ghana as the gateway to Africa for the global diaspora.
It will showcase a range of carefully curated cultural, historical, and creative arts experiences, developed in collaboration with the private sector, diplomatic missions, and various government agencies.
In his first State of the Nation Address on Thursday, President Mahama emphasized that tourism, culture, and the creative arts are central to the nation’s development strategy, contributing significantly to job creation, cultural exchange, and economic growth.
He also noted that recent initiatives launched by the Ministry of Tourism aimed to position Ghana as a premier global destination, leveraging the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant creative sector.
“These initiatives aim to harness the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and dynamic creative sector,” he said.
The President announced that the Pan African Month would be incorporated into the “Black Star Experience.”
The month-long celebration will feature a variety of activities, including street carnivals, a film week, a fashion festival, a food fair, theatrical performances, concert party competitions, and monthly domestic tourism destinations.
“We will strategically promote Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism to diversify our tourism offerings,” he said.
President Mahama noted that Ghana’s peaceful and democratic environment made it an appealing hub for international summits, business conventions, and high-profile gatherings.
“We must capitalise on this unique advantage to maximise our benefits and strengthen our reputation as the Centre of the World,” he stated.
The President said that the government was committed to revitalising the Accra Marine Drive Project, a major urban redevelopment initiative aimed at transforming approximately 241 acres of Accra’s coastline into a vibrant tourism and economic hub.
“Although Cabinet approved this vital project during my presidency in 2016, progress stalled under the previous administration. We will reassess the work completed and take decisive action to bring this important project back on track.”
He assured that the government would transform the Osu Castle and its surrounding area into a key tourist destination, featuring a pedestrian zone, arts, and craft markets, as well as a jewellery and gold market.
GNA