The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, has called on Ghanaians to deliberately preserve and promote the country’s cultural identity, describing heritage as both a national responsibility and an economic necessity.

She made the call on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the official launch of Ghana Heritage Month 2026 at the symbolic Nationalism Park in Accra.

The colourful ceremony, marked by traditional performances and patriotic fervour, signalled the start of a month-long nationwide celebration dedicated to Ghana’s culture, history and creative excellence.

While the event showcased the vibrancy of Ghanaian identity, the Minister’s keynote address set a reflective and forward-looking tone.

Describing March as a sacred period in Ghana’s history, Hon. Gomashie linked the celebration to the country’s independence struggle.

“It was in March that our forebears, driven by an unyielding desire for freedom and dignity, rose with one voice to demand self-determination,” she said, referencing Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957. “March stands as a living reminder of the bravery, unity and resilience that birthed our nation.”

According to her, honouring that legacy requires more than commemorating political freedom; it demands conscious preservation of Ghana’s cultural identity.

“In a rapidly globalising world where identities can easily be blurred, we must deliberately preserve, protect and promote what makes us uniquely Ghanaian. It is our contribution to the world,” she stressed.

The Minister explained that dedicating an entire month to heritage is not symbolic but strategic. Heritage Month, she said, provides an opportunity to educate the youth, rekindle pride in tradition, spotlight creative talents, support artisans and project Ghana’s authentic story globally.

She commended the Ghana Culture Forum for its pioneering role in institutionalising Ghana Culture Month and Ghana Culture Day, noting that its advocacy has ensured culture remains central to national development rather than an afterthought.

Beyond identity, the Minister described heritage as a powerful engine for economic growth.

“Tourism, culture and creative arts are powerful engines for employment and innovation,” she said, encouraging young creatives to leverage new media and emerging platforms to expand their reach.

By dedicating a month to heritage, she noted, Ghana stimulates domestic tourism, boosts local businesses, empowers creators and invites the world to experience the country’s cultural richness.

She emphasised that the sector holds enormous potential to create jobs, particularly for young people and women, urging sustained belief in Ghanaian creativity and enterprise.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, highlighted the need for what she termed “authentic Ghanaian living.”

Paying tribute to Kwame Nkrumah, she reminded the gathering that national development must be rooted in cultural confidence.

“Our traditions are not outdated artefacts; they are living foundations upon which we must build our future,” she said.

The launch attracted dignitaries, including members of the diplomatic corps, chief executives of agencies under the Ministry, tourism stakeholders and the GTA Board, led by Chairperson Ms Gertrude Emefa Donkor.

Also present were Edmond Moukala, UNESCO’s Representative to Ghana, and Karina Gould, Culture Attaché of the Canadian Embassy.

In a goodwill message, Moukala reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Ghana in safeguarding its tangible and intangible heritage.