Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee currently underway in Paris.
The ten-day meeting, which began on 7 July and ends on 17 July 2025, highlights Ghana’s growing leadership in heritage protection and cultural policymaking across Africa and internationally.
In her address, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, outlined Ghana’s collaboration with global heritage bodies and emphasised efforts to safeguard national heritage assets.
She commended UNESCO and its partner agencies for their continued support in protecting Ghana’s World Heritage Sites, notably the historic forts and castles.
The Minister acknowledged a recent monitoring mission to those sites and pledged the government’s commitment to implementing previous recommendations.
“We are committed to ensuring that the forts and castles and world heritage properties are properly conserved and protected,” she said.
She reiterated Ghana’s support for integrating tangible and intangible heritage and welcomed alignment with international frameworks.
“We are currently implementing the 2030 indicators for culture as part of our national development framework,” she added.
Madam Gomashie also highlighted the Black Star Experience; a cultural initiative aimed at positioning Ghana as a leader in Africa’s creative industries.
She praised developments under the Strategy for World Heritage in Africa, particularly efforts to promote a holistic conservation approach through Output 4 of the capacity-building programme.
The Minister referenced Ghana’s participation in the Second Naples Conference on Cultural Heritage, positioning it as a key precursor to MONDIACULT 2025.
“We are especially looking forward to MONDIACULT 2025, which we believe will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global cultural agenda,” she said.
The Minister later endorsed Kenya’s amendment to the ongoing draft decision, affirming the Africa Group’s united stance on heritage policy.
GNA
