The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on filmmakers and other creative industry players to participate in the first-ever National Film Dialogue.
The event will take place at the Cedi Conference Centre at the University of Ghana, Legon.
In a video post shared on the Ministry’s social media pages, the Minister emphasized the importance of dialogue and the huge potential of the film industry to contribute to national development. “It’s important to have this conversation because I urge you to go onto the internet, and you will find that film contributes over 90 billion to the global economy,” she said.
Hon. Dzifa Gomashie highlighted some of the challenges facing Ghana’s film industry, stating that the industry has a complex history that needs attention and restructuring.
“The story of filmmaking in Ghana has been one that is convoluted, and we must get to a point where it takes its place of pride, promoting our culture, promoting our heritage, promoting our very existence, and also our tourism.”
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie
The Tourism Minister further called on all stakeholders to participate in the dialogue and contribute strong ideas and policy suggestions to help shape the future of Ghana’s film industry.
“We want to have a holistic conference where all stakeholders come together and assist us to position this dialogue on a platform where we can make a policy decision that drives this sector, and especially the domain that we are speaking about.”
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie
According to the Minister, the film industry has the potential not only to provide employment but also to support other sectors in the creative space and attract investors to Ghana.
“This domain has the potential to provide employment and also bring along all the other sectors in the creative arts space. Through film alone, we can have diplomacy with the rest of the world—one that creates opportunities for investors to come into our country and leave their money here for us to be able to develop at the speed that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama wants us to go to.”
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie
Hon. Dzifa Gomashie concluded by calling on sponsors and investors to support the dialogue and the National Film Authority to grow Ghana’s film sector.
Tourism Minister Urges Cultural Studies for Educational Reforms
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie 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.
The Tourism Minister 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.”
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing 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.”
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie
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.
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