Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has launched the 2026 National Heritage Month, with a call for deliberate cultural preservation in an increasingly globalised world.
She said culture remained central to Ghana’s identity and development agenda, hence the need for a deliberate attempt to preserve it.
“Heritage plays a specific role in nation-building, and culture is both a defining element of Ghana’s identity and a driver of inclusive growth,” she said.
The launch, organised by the Ministry, in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), marked the beginning of a month-long nationwide celebration on the theme: “Experience Ghana, My Heritage, My Pride (Taste 69@69)”.
The event also featured the official launch of the historic Vodza Regatta, spotlighting Ghana’s maritime traditions as part of the Heritage Month calendar.
Madam Gomashie paid tribute to the Ghana Culture Forum for its leadership in institutionalising cultural advocacy and acknowledging the role of the National Folklore Board in advancing efforts to secure international recognition for Ghana’s tangible and intangible heritage.
She highlighted milestones such as global recognition for Kente and Highlife and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to pursuing additional heritage listings to safeguard Ghana’s cultural assets.
Madam Gomashie said tourism, culture and the creative arts were powerful engines of economic transformation, adding that the sector had capacity to generate employment, empower the youth and women, stimulate domestic tourism and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises.
She called for sustained national commitment to embracing, protecting and promoting Ghana’s heritage beyond the month of March, reinforcing culture as both a source of national pride and a strategic pillar for sustainable development.
The minister urged Ghanaians at home and in the diaspora, corporate bodies, development partners and the diplomatic community to actively participate in the Heritage Month activities throughout the month of March.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Chief Executive Officer, GTA, said the introduction of the Heritage Month presented an opportunity not only to commemorate the nation’s freedom but to redefine its meaning for present and future generations.
She noted that Heritage Month 2026 was designed as both a cultural celebration and an economic activation strategy, encouraging citizens to live and promote their heritage under the sub-theme: “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana.”
Mrs Houadjeto announced the unveiling of a revitalised GTA digital platform and an enhanced Ghana Travel portal, aimed at providing comprehensive, curated information for domestic and international visitors on destinations, festivals, cultural experiences and tourism investment opportunities.
Mr Edmond Moukala N’Gouemo, the Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO to Ghana, commended Ghana for placing culture at the centre of its development agenda.
He described the “Taste 69@69” celebration as a significant milestone toward Ghana’s 70th independence anniversary and reaffirmed UNESCO’s continued support.
Activities lined up for the celebration include discounted access to selected heritage sites, the “Taste 69@69” culinary showcase on March 13, a nationwide Heritage Caravan, March 1 to 7, the Akwaba FESTIVAL, March 5 to 7, Asa Baako Festival in Western Region, March 5 to 8, and the Vodza Regatta.
Others are the Akple Featival on March 6, Kenkey Fest on March 7, Ghana Day and the Black Star-Teacher of Africa on March 8, the Independence Exhibition, March 6 to 8, SalaFest 2026, March 14 to 21.
The rest are Akwasidae Festival at the Manhyia Palace, March 15, Gologo Festival in Tengzug, Upper East Region, March 1 to 13, Kplejoo Festival, March 28, and the Techiman Apo Festival, March 7 to April 5.