Ministry of Tourism Unveils 2025 National Heritage Photography Contest

Ghana Launches National Heritage Photo Contest to Celebrate Cultural Identity and Empower Youth

In a move to highlight the rich tapestry of Ghana’s cultural heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has officially launched the National Heritage Photo Competition 2025. This exciting initiative invites young photographers from all 16 regions of the country to capture the essence of Ghana’s traditions, cultural landmarks, and indigenous lifestyles through the lens of a camera.

The competition, spearheaded by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, aims to provide a vibrant platform for creative expression while deepening national appreciation for Ghana’s diverse heritage. According to the minister, the project is designed not only to promote tourism but also to support young creatives in showcasing their talent and storytelling abilities.

“Our heritage is a treasure trove of identity, pride, and history,” Minister Gomashie said during the official launch. “This competition is not just about photography—it’s about giving young Ghanaians a voice and a stage to celebrate the richness of our traditions, while strengthening national unity and cultural pride.”

Open to participants aged 25 and under, the National Heritage Photo Competition 2025 encourages entries that explore a wide range of Ghanaian cultural expressions. Eligible subjects include traditional attire, indigenous cuisine, local festivals, historical monuments, folklore, rituals, and other visual representations of heritage. The competition’s central theme emphasizes storytelling through images, aiming to preserve and document Ghana’s cultural diversity for both current and future generations.

The competition is being organized in collaboration with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and enjoys broad support from several key national and cultural institutions. These include the Ghana Tourism Authority, National Commission on Culture, National Folklore Board, Bureau of Ghana Languages, National Theatre of Ghana, Ghana Tourism Development Authority, and the National Film Authority.

Additional partners contributing to the initiative include the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Pan African Writers Association, W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, the Creative Arts Agency, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and the Hotel Catering and Tourism Training Institute.

By engaging youth across the country, the contest seeks to inspire a new generation of cultural ambassadors and storytellers. It also aligns with the Ministry’s broader goals of using creative arts and tourism as vehicles for national development, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.

“This is a significant step toward integrating our cultural values with the modern creative industry,” said the Minister. “It’s a way to ensure that Ghana’s legacy is preserved—not just through textbooks or history classes—but through the personal lens of those who live it and breathe it every day.”

Winners of the competition will receive various prizes, including photography equipment, national recognition, and opportunities to feature their work in exhibitions and tourism campaigns. Top entries will also be showcased in a nationwide heritage photo tour, with selected works potentially used in promotional materials to attract both local and international tourists.

With the National Heritage Photo Competition 2025 now officially underway, young Ghanaians with a passion for photography and culture are encouraged to take part. Beyond being a contest, this initiative is a national call to action—to document, celebrate, and preserve what makes Ghana truly unique.

Entries are open now, and submissions will be accepted over the coming months. Full details regarding submission guidelines, deadlines, and judging criteria are available through the Ministry’s official channels.

As Ghana continues to grow its tourism sector and embrace the creative economy, initiatives like this highlight the country’s commitment to nurturing local talent while celebrating its identity on the global stage.