In a move aimed at deepening institutional collaboration and strengthening oversight, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Tourism, Culture, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has paid a familiarisation visit to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie.

The visit, conducted as part of the Committee’s constitutionally mandated oversight responsibilities, sought to foster stronger ties between the legislative and executive arms of government to enhance policy implementation and service delivery in the Cultural and Tourism sectors.

Welcoming the delegation, Dzifa Gomashie described the visit as both a “divine call and a national duty.” She emphasised the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with Parliament to leverage legislative support for the promotion of Ghana’s cultural identity and the growth of the tourism sector.

Highlighting recent milestones, the Minister celebrated Ghana’s successful inscription of the iconic Kete fabric on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. She credited this achievement to the Ministry’s deliberate efforts to safeguard and promote Ghana’s rich cultural heritage globally.

The Minister also revealed ongoing initiatives to secure UNESCO recognition for Highlife music, which she described as “purely and authentically Ghanaian.” She noted that the Ministry has assembled a comprehensive archive, including audio recordings, interviews, and scholarly materials, to support its nomination efforts.

Underscoring the economic significance of the sector, the Minister disclosed that Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts currently stand as the third-largest contributors to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “With your support,” she said, “we believe it is possible to move from third position to the first.”

She further called on Parliament to support legislative reforms to modernize and streamline the operations of agencies under the Ministry. Many of these institutions, such as the National Commission on Culture and the Centres for National Culture, still operate under outdated legal frameworks, despite the Ministry’s restructuring under a 2013 Executive Instrument.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee, Hon. Fred Kyei Asamoah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Offinso North, praised the Minister’s leadership and innovation. He explained that the visit formed part of a broader familiarization tour by the Committee, in line with Order 257(2) of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

“The Committee is mandated to examine the work of ministries, departments, and agencies within its purview. As part of this responsibility, we plan to undertake a further visit to assess the Ministry’s operations and service delivery firsthand,” Mr.Asamoah stated.

Ranking Member of the Committee and MP for Pusiga, Ayamba Ayii Laadi, emphasised the importance of promoting tourism in the Northern Region. 

She highlighted the potential of the region’s unique attractions and local cuisine, humorously noting the health benefits of traditional Ghanaian dishes, which she credited for her youthful appearance.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration between the Ministry and the Committee. Both parties agreed that strengthening partnerships and aligning policy and legislative frameworks are essential to positioning Ghana as a leading cultural and tourism destination on the global stage.