The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, have launched this year’s National Heritage Month, urging Ghanaians to honour the legacy of their past.
“The greatest thing about heritage is its tendency for us to appreciate what we have inherited from the past, and what we pass on to the future,” Mrs. Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer, GTA, said at the launch on Monday.
She said that heritage served as a foundation for the nation’s identity and unity and defined and shaped identity, provided a sense of belonging, and connected the past with the present.
“Heritage doesn’t only find expression in clothing, food, music, art, language, among others, but finds expression in our natural world, physical objects and ideas,” she said.
Mrs. Houadjeto praised Ghana’s forebears for their distinctive contributions to preserving the nation’s history and their efforts in defending the challenges of the present.
“It is because of them, and many like them, that we are today able to celebrate where we have come from,” she said
Mrs. Houadjeto explained that the celebration of the month symbolised the importance of valuing the diversity of cultures, customs, and traditions as Ghanaians reclaimed their pride and dignity.
She added that this year’s festivities, coinciding with Ghana’s Independence Day, aimed to honour the country’s unique history, heritage, and culture.
She also highlighted the Authority’s ongoing domestic tourism campaign, “See, Eat, Wear, and Feel Ghana,” which encourages citizens to explore the nation’s rich cultural and natural attractions.
Mrs. Houadjeto said the celebration of the month epitomised the need to appreciate the diversity of cultures, customs and traditions as Ghanaians reclaim their pride and dignity.
She said this year’s celebration, which coincides with Ghana’s Independence Day Celebrations is to celebrate the unique history, heritage and culture of the country.
She highlighted the Authority’s ongoing domestic tourism campaign, “See, Eat, Wear, and Feel Ghana”, which aims to encourage citizens to explore Ghana’s rich cultural and natural attractions.
The Heritage Month aligns with the government’s flagship programme, “The Black Star Experience,” which seeks to position Ghana as the gateway to Africa for the global diaspora, offering carefully curated cultural, historical, and creative arts experiences.
Mrs. Houadjeto urged tourism stakeholders to use the month as an opportunity to promote Ghanaian cuisine, beverages, packaged tours to historical and cultural attractions, local music, and to celebrate Ghana through fashion in all its forms.
She also encouraged the media to highlight Ghana’s heritage across their platforms and called on Ghanaians to fully embrace Heritage Month, ensuring its continuity as it represents the soul and spirit of the nation.
A range of activities have been planned for the month-long celebration, including the Ghana Music Month from March 1 to 31 at the Musicians Union of Ghana, and the Heritage Caravan from March 2 to 9, which would tour 14 regions of Ghana.
The celebration will also feature the Made in Ghana Rave on March 6 at the AQ3 Centre in Diamond Hills, Kwadaso, the Akwaaba Festival from March 6 to 8 at the National Theatre, and the Taste 68 @ 68 Food Fair on March 14 at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP).
Other events include the Ghana Culture Week from March 10 to 14 at the Kofi Annan ICT Centre, Showbiz A-Z (Spotlight on the Ga People) on March 15 at the KNMP, the Gob3 Festival on March 22 at the Legon City Mall, and the Accra Mall. The Back to Your Village Food Festival (Bazaar) will take place from March 29 to 30 at the Forecourt of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
GNA
