Ghana launches 2026 Culture Week to promote tourism sector

People visit a local fabric booth during the opening of the 2026 Ghana Culture Week in Accra, Ghana, March 13, 2026. Ghana on Friday launched the 2026 Ghana Culture Week celebrations with displays of traditional dance, art exhibitions and cultural performances highlighting the country's rich heritage. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

ACCRA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Ghana on Friday launched the 2026 Ghana Culture Week celebrations with displays of traditional dance, art exhibitions and cultural performances highlighting the country's rich heritage.

Themed "Resetting Ghana's Tourism, Culture and Creative Ecosystem," the event featured high-level discussions, exhibitions and performances. The celebration also showcased Ghana's rich textile traditions, including the handwoven Kente cloth and the Fugu smock, presented in various styles.

Ghana's rich culinary heritage was also on display, with 69 traditional dishes presented to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the West African country's independence.

Abla Dzifa Gomashie, minister of tourism, culture and creative arts, said the diversity of languages, traditions of music and dance, clothing, cuisine and festivals reflects the richness of Ghana's cultural heritage, which deserves to be celebrated every day.

"Ghana is a rich tapestry of culture, including our cuisine, clothing, dance and folklore, among others. This culture is not something to celebrate just once a year, month or week. It is something that must be done every day," Gomashie said.

Maame Efua Houadjeto, chief executive officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), said the celebration also serves as a call to action to strengthen collaboration across the sector and build a resilient, globally competitive tourism, culture and creative ecosystem.

Houadjeto also stressed the importance of strategic marketing and branding to attract investment and tourism to the country's cultural assets.

She said that the GTA would continue supporting initiatives that promote indigenous cuisine, cultural heritage, global partnerships and domestic tourism, in line with the government's vision to reset and strengthen Ghana's tourism sector. ■

Visitors buy beads during the opening of the 2026 Ghana Culture Week in Accra, Ghana, March 13, 2026. Ghana on Friday launched the 2026 Ghana Culture Week celebrations with displays of traditional dance, art exhibitions and cultural performances highlighting the country's rich heritage. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

A Ghanaian traditional dance performance is staged at the opening of the 2026 Ghana Culture Week in Accra, Ghana, March 13, 2026. Ghana on Friday launched the 2026 Ghana Culture Week celebrations with displays of traditional dance, art exhibitions and cultural performances highlighting the country's rich heritage. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

A Ghanaian traditional dance performance is staged at the opening of the 2026 Ghana Culture Week in Accra, Ghana, March 13, 2026. Ghana on Friday launched the 2026 Ghana Culture Week celebrations with displays of traditional dance, art exhibitions and cultural performances highlighting the country's rich heritage. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

Food vendors showcase a variety of Ghanaian dishes at the food fair during the opening of the 2026 Ghana Culture Week in Accra, Ghana, March 13, 2026. Ghana on Friday launched the 2026 Ghana Culture Week celebrations with displays of traditional dance, art exhibitions and cultural performances highlighting the country's rich heritage. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)