Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto forges new creative and cultural partnerships in Columbus, Ohio, to position Ghana as Africa’s creative tourism capital.
Columbus, Ohio – November 2025 —
In a powerful demonstration of cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto engaged with top arts and cultural leaders across Columbus, Ohio, to strengthen Ghana’s global tourism brand through the creative arts.
During the first week of November 2025, Ms. Houadjeto met with an impressive lineup of creative leaders including Michael Reese, Founder and President of Columbus Artway Inc.; Leda Hoffmann, Artistic Director of The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio; Jason Gay, Vice President of Operations at CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts); Amy Drake, celebrated Playwright and Producer; and Tom Katzenmeyer, President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC).
The meetings focused on creating strategic partnerships that link Ghana’s thriving art ecosystem with international investors, art patrons, and cultural institutions. A key outcome was a commitment to bring creative investors and arts patrons to Ghana in early 2026 to explore collaboration opportunities with local artists, galleries, and cultural enterprises. Planning for this cross-continental initiative is already underway — marking a new chapter in Ghana’s creative and cultural tourism agenda.
Art as a Bridge for Economic Growth
Ms. Houadjeto emphasized that Ghana’s creative economy is a powerful driver of investment and tourism.
“The arts tell the story of our people — they are the soul of Ghana’s tourism identity,” she noted. “This collaboration is not only about cultural exchange, but about creating sustainable pathways for investment, mentorship, and global visibility for Ghanaian artists.”
Her remarks align with the Ghana Tourism Authority’s “Experience Ghana” campaign, which aims to position Ghana as Africa’s premier cultural destination through music, film, fashion, theatre, and visual arts.
Building Creative Corridors Between Ghana and Ohio
The Columbus engagements expanded on the growing partnership between Ghana and the City of Columbus, following earlier bilateral cultural forums. Discussions with CAPA, GCAC, and other stakeholders explored plans to:
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Host Ghana Arts Showcases in Columbus;
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Establish artist-in-residence exchange programs;
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Facilitate investment tours for American art patrons; and
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Co-create arts education programs to nurture young Ghanaian talent.
Michael Reese of Columbus Artway Inc. described the collaboration as “an exciting step toward an authentic cultural partnership that celebrates creativity and entrepreneurship between two dynamic cities.”
Leda Hoffmann of The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio added, “Ghana’s storytelling traditions are deeply inspiring, and we’re eager to explore creative bridges through theatre and performance.”
Positioning Ghana as Africa’s Creative Capital
The initiative forms part of the Ghana Tourism Authority’s broader strategy to align tourism with the creative economy, recognizing that artists, filmmakers, and performers are vital ambassadors of Ghana’s cultural identity on the world stage.
By attracting arts patrons and investors, the Authority seeks to drive local employment, creative exports, and cultural preservation, while showcasing Ghana as a continental hub for innovation, heritage, and hospitality.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming Creative Arts & Investment Delegation to Ghana in early 2026 will feature cultural leaders, producers, and art philanthropists from the United States. The delegation will tour Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast, experiencing Ghana’s artistic diversity, meeting creatives, and exploring investment opportunities in galleries, film studios, and art festivals.
The Columbus engagements mark the beginning of a visionary partnership — one redefining tourism not just as travel, but as a dynamic exchange of stories, artistry, and opportunity.
For media inquiries:
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA)
Accra, Ghana
In collaboration with:
Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, Columbus Artway Inc., and other U.S. creative partners.
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