Guyana delegation calls on Ghana Tourism Minister to strengthen cultural and investment ties
A high level delegation from Guyana has paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Minister for Tourism Culture and Creative Arts Abla Dzifa Gomashie as part of a broader mission to strengthen relations between the two nations. The meeting, held in Accra, highlighted the strong cultural and historical similarities shared by the people of Ghana and Guyana and explored new opportunities for deeper partnership in tourism, cultural exchange, creative arts and economic development.
The delegation was led by Deputy Mayor Denise Althee Miller who expressed deep admiration for Ghana’s cultural heritage and the bond Guyana shares with the West African nation. She noted that many aspects of Guyanese identity are influenced by Ghanaian culture including food, clothing, naming traditions and marriage customs. According to her, the similarities are so apparent that many Guyanese often feel a profound sense of connection to Ghana, describing the country as a cultural motherland.
Deputy Mayor Miller also recalled historical links between the two countries, explaining that Guyana’s first president drew inspiration from Ghana’s fight for independence and from the leadership of prominent African freedom movements. She emphasized the desire of Guyanese citizens to build stronger ties with Ghana through heritage tourism, cultural festivals and creative collaborations. Her remarks underscored the sentiment that the visit was not just diplomatic but symbolic of a long awaited reconnection.
In response Deputy Minister Yussif Issaka Jajah reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to welcoming Guyana into stronger bilateral cooperation. He described the two nations as brothers and sisters separated only by geography and expressed the government’s readiness to support initiatives that promote unity and mutual growth. One of the most notable proposals from the meeting was the introduction of a Ghana Guyana Culture Week, an annual celebration that would showcase the shared heritage of both countries through food, music, dance, visual arts and storytelling. The idea received enthusiastic support from both delegations.
The Ghanaian officials present included the Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts as well as directors from the various cultural and administrative departments. They commended the delegation for taking proactive steps toward collaboration and assured them of ongoing support for future projects. The ministry emphasized the potential benefits of cultural and creative partnerships, particularly in areas such as investment promotion, film exchange, museum development and diaspora engagement.
Members of the Guyanese cultural leadership who joined the meeting spoke passionately about their affection for Ghana. The President of the Ghana Day Association described the trip as a spiritual homecoming and shared emotional stories about how Guyanese citizens preserve cultural practices rooted in West African tradition. He stressed the importance of building programs that deepen this connection, including student exchange, joint tourism packages and creative industry training.
Discussions also touched on the economic potential of such cooperation. Tourism experts from both sides noted that Ghana’s fast growing creative economy offers significant opportunities for Guyanese investors while Guyana’s expanding tourism and natural resource sectors provide new avenues for Ghanaian entrepreneurs. Delegates agreed that a structured partnership could improve trade, increase tourism traffic between the countries and strengthen diplomatic cooperation within the Caribbean and African regions.
Observers believe the meeting marks an important step in reviving Pan African and Caribbean unity. Over the years both regions have expressed interest in collaboration but few initiatives have advanced beyond formal discussions. The current engagement, however, signals a renewed commitment from both governments and offers a clear roadmap for future action through cultural events, investment projects and institutional partnerships.
If successfully implemented the proposed Ghana Guyana Culture Week could become a landmark international event celebrating shared identity while creating business opportunities for artists, chefs, designers, performers and tourism operators. It would also reinforce Ghana’s status as a leading destination for diaspora engagement following initiatives such as the Year of Return and Beyond the Return campaigns.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism and pledging to maintain communication as they work toward long term collaboration. For many participants the gathering was not only diplomatic but emotional, symbolizing a reconnection rooted in shared history and a collective vision for a unified cultural future.
