By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, May 17, GNA – Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has called for a national shift in mindset to recognise creative professionals as key contributors to development.
She said persistent challenges in attracting corporate sponsorship and the continued undervaluation of practitioners, particularly in niche areas such as choral and children-focused productions, were hindering growth in the sector.
The Minister made the call during a meeting with the Harmonious Chorale, where discussions focused on the group’s upcoming international engagement and broader issues affecting Ghana’s creative industry.
She said there were systemic difficulties within the sector, noting that many creative professionals struggled to secure corporate sponsorship because of limited appreciation of the industry’s economic and cultural value.
Madam Gomashie noted that the situation had contributed to inadequate compensation and the marginalisation of creatives despite their immense contributions to national identity and global representation.
She said a deliberate change in perspective was required to position the creative arts as a viable and essential component of national development.
She stressed the need for stronger investment and institutional backing to enable practitioners to thrive and to project Ghana’s cultural heritage more effectively on the global stage.
The Minister commended the Harmonious Chorale for its professionalism and international achievements, saying the group had consistently upheld high standards in representing Ghana abroad.
She, however, emphasised the importance of formal and structured engagement with the Ministry and urged stakeholders to submit written proposals well in advance of engagements.
That, Madam Gomashie said, would ensure proper coordination within the Ministry’s administrative framework and promote continuity beyond individual officeholders.
The Harmonious Chorale, led by Madam Amanda Efua Abrokwah, briefed the Ministry on its activities, achievements and upcoming participation in the Festival of Orthodox Church Music in Poland.
The choir, which the Minister described as a strong Ghanaian brand with nearly two decades of experience, has played a significant role in promoting choral music both locally and internationally.
She disclosed that they had been invited, rather than having applied, to participate in the festival for the second time, following its impressive performance at the 2019 edition where it was the only African choir featured.
As part of its plans, the choir is scheduled to travel in June, with a stopover in Amsterdam for additional engagements.
The group is seeking the Ministry’s support in facilitating introductions to Ghana’s embassies in Poland and the Netherlands, as well as assistance with funding and official documentation to support visa applications.
The Harmonious Chorale also highlighted the challenge of limited corporate sponsorship for choral music in Ghana, noting that although it had made efforts to mobilise funds independently, additional support was needed to fully execute its international engagements.
In response, the Minister offered to provide official letters of recommendation to strengthen the group’s fundraising efforts and engagement with potential sponsors.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng