Deputy Director in charge of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, has reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting locally made crafts and artifacts as part of its Black Star Experience concept.
Commending the organizers of the Accra Art and Craft Market, Mr. Kusi explained that arts and crafts form a crucial pillar of the Black Star Experience campaign and remain one of the most distinctive ways of showcasing Ghanaian culture to the world.
He made these remarks at the opening of the Accra Art and Craft Market, held at the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture in Cantonments, Accra.
“This initiative falls under the aesthetic aspect of the Black Star Experience program. We will continue to support the marketing of arts and crafts in the country,” he stated.
He also emphasised the importance of promoting Ghana’s unique heritage to foreign tourists. Citing international cultural expos, he noted that initiatives like the Arts and Craft Market could be scaled to compete on the global stage.
“We need to also look at the international market. Programmes like these targets both local and international patrons, which is a good thing. In the future, we can expand.”
“With the right support, we believe this programme can create jobs for the youth and boost foreign income,” he added, highlighting the vital role tourism plays in job creation and strengthening local economies.
Meanwhile, Adnan Mohammed, Manager of the initiative, said the 10-day market and fair will not only promote Ghanaian products but also support small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in exporting their goods beyond the country’s borders.
He expressed optimism that, with the right support and collaboration among local artisans and producers, Ghana could be recognised as a leading arts and crafts hub in Africa, further advancing the country’s tourism agenda.
“We set this up to encourage the purchase and use of Ghanaian and African-made handicrafts. We’ve been doing this for eight years, but decided to include international exhibitors starting last year.”
“We began working with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) because many of our members wanted to break into foreign markets. There’s real potential, many more people can enter the export space, which will boost tourism receipts,” he added.
The 10-day market will feature a full schedule of activities, including a special forum on Thursday, October 23 focused on “how to Become a Professional Artist. The event will climax on Saturday, October 25 with a free breast cancer screening followed by a Gala Night and Fundraising Dinner.
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