Ghana’s Cultural Heritage Deserves Worldwide Attention, Says NCC Executive Director

The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Mr. Wakefield Ackuaku, has issued a strong call for Ghanaians, particularly cultural agencies and institutions, to be more proactive in showcasing Ghana’s rich and diverse cultural heritage on the international stage. Speaking at the launch of the Black Star Festival in Accra, he urged stakeholders not to wait for foreign visitors to come to Ghana but to take the country’s culture directly to the world.

Mr. Ackuaku’s remarks underscore the importance of a strategic approach to promoting Ghanaian culture globally. He believes that with focused and innovative efforts, Ghana has the potential to make a lasting impression on the global cultural landscape and position itself as a leading hub for African cultural expression.

During an interview with Graphic Showbiz on the sidelines of the Black Star Festival launch at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) on June 17, 2025, Mr. Ackuaku highlighted the need to adopt fresh and creative methods to ignite international interest in Ghana’s culture. One such approach, he explained, is to take cultural events abroad, citing the Black Star Festival’s planned staging in Washington DC as a prime example.

“Ghana’s culture is deeply rich and varied, characterized by unique traditions, customs, and values that can engage and captivate audiences everywhere,” Mr. Ackuaku noted. “Instead of waiting passively for visitors to come to us, we must actively bring our culture to their doorsteps. I am confident that with the right plans and execution, Ghana’s cultural footprint will grow significantly on the global stage.”

The Black Star Experience, which was officially launched on May 1, 2025, with the presence of President John Dramani Mahama, aims to solidify Ghana’s position as Africa’s cultural and creative powerhouse. This initiative envisions year-round celebrations spanning festivals, music, art, fashion, cuisine, film, and heritage events that showcase the best of Ghanaian culture.

President Mahama, at the launch event, encouraged all creative government agencies to contribute meaningfully to the Black Star Experience, emphasizing that it is a collective effort to boost the country’s cultural presence internationally. The Black Star Festival, a flagship event within this initiative, is designed to celebrate African creativity and heritage while reinforcing Ghana’s cultural identity.

Mr. Ackuaku remarked that the Black Star Experience builds on the momentum created by earlier cultural milestones such as the Year of Return and Beyond the Return campaigns, which significantly elevated Ghana’s global cultural visibility. “These initiatives laid a strong foundation for Ghana’s cultural renaissance,” he said, “and the Black Star Experience seeks to carry that legacy forward by creating continuous opportunities for cultural exchange and promotion.”

The NCC, under Mr. Ackuaku’s leadership, remains committed to preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage while promoting a distinctive Ghanaian identity both locally and internationally. He emphasized that the Black Star Festival is not a standalone project but part of a broader strategic cultural agenda designed to project Ghana’s image worldwide.

The festival itself, organized by GD Visionary Group Ltd in partnership with the NCC, will be held in Washington DC from September 26 to 28, 2025. It will offer a dynamic platform featuring music, art, fashion, film screenings, and networking opportunities to celebrate African culture and connect the diaspora with their roots.

Joseph Marteye, President of GD Visionary Group, described the Black Star Festival as an invaluable opportunity for Ghanaians, especially young people, to reconnect with their cultural heritage and embrace their identity. “Many Ghanaians living abroad have yet to experience the full richness of our culture firsthand,” he said. “This festival will give them a chance to engage with their traditions and celebrate what makes Ghana unique.”

By actively exporting Ghanaian culture through events like the Black Star Festival and other innovative initiatives, Mr. Ackuaku believes Ghana can foster deeper international appreciation, attract cultural tourism, and create economic opportunities for creative industries.

Ultimately, the NCC’s vision is to see Ghana emerge as a global cultural leader, sharing its heritage with the world while nurturing a strong sense of pride and identity among its people at home and in the diaspora.