Entertainment
Black Star Experience secretariat signs agreement with National Arts Council of South Africa
BLACK Star Experience Secretariat (BSE), Ghana at the Office of the President, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA).
This partnership reaffirms the BSE Secretariat’s mandate to position Ghana as a premier hub for cultural exchange and creative collaboration.
This partnership represents a significant step in building cross-continental platforms that celebrate Africa’s rich heritage, strengthen people-to-people ties, and expand opportunities for African creatives to thrive globally.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony hosted at the National Arts Council headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Representing Ghana was Mr Rex Owusu Marfo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Black Star Experience Secretariat, while NACSA was represented by its Acting CEO, Ms Julie Diphofa.
This historic agreement underscores the shared commitment of President John Dramani Mahama and President Cyril Ramaphosa to cultural diplomacy as a vehicle for African unity, economic growth, and global influence.
The collaboration will focus on key areas such as, cultural and creative exchange programmes, Heritage preservation, Arts education partnerships and residencies, institutional exchanges, internships, and training opportunities, as well as joint research and development initiatives.
As part of the agreement, South African creatives will gain access to Ghana’s vibrant cultural platforms including Creatives Connect Afrika, Afro Future, Tidal Rave Ghana, Beyond The Return and the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) among a tall list of events.
These events are celebrated across West Africa and the diaspora, providing a gateway to a combined market of over 460 million people.
Speaking at the ceremony, Presidential Staffer and BSE Coordinator, Mr Rex Owusu Marfo, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This is more than an agreement, it is a bridge between Ghana and South Africa, and by extension, between West and Southern Africa. Our nations share deep historical bonds
According to him, Ghana, as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, and South Africa, whose liberation struggle inspired the world, have always stood as beacons of resilience, creativity, and leadership on the continent.
He added that, “Through this partnership, the BSE aims to: Promote cultural and creative exchanges that allow our artists to learn from one another, showcase their work across borders, and inspire future generations.”
Mr Marfo of BSE was accompanied by a high-level Ghanaian delegation including, Mrs Charlotte Djan – Ghana High Commission, South Africa, Mr Kofi Okyere Darko – Director, Office of the President, Diaspora Affairs, Mr Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey – Deputy CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ms Annabelle McKenzie – Director, Beyond the Return Secretariat, Mr William Ahadzi – Regional Director (Upper East), GTA and Mr Matthew Mensah – Chief Liaison Officer, BES.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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