Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms  — Tourism Minister

Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has empha­sised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.

She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposi­tion Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.

Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festi­val of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Mad­am Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.

She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal devel­opment but also as a way of preserv­ing traditional values.

These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.

“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as plat­forms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also pro­viding opportunities for community engagement.”

Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.

“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the develop­ment of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.

Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commend­ed the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.

Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Par­amount Chief of Great Ningo Tradi­tional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welen­tsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among digni­taries at the festival. -GNA