The Ashanti Region witnessed a vibrant blend of culture, heritage, and institutional collaboration as the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, undertook a significant tour that reconnected her with Manhyia after nearly nine years and highlighted ongoing national efforts to elevate Ghana’s cultural assets on the global stage.
Her visit to the Manhyia Palace was marked by a warm reception from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who greeted her with the remark, “Me huu wo akyɛ paa,” acknowledging the long interval since her last appearance. The purpose of the visit was both symbolic and historic: to present a copy of the UNESCO certificate recognizing Kete/Kente as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This presentation follows earlier engagements in which Hon. Gomashie delivered the same certificate to Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli. The Ministry is expected to extend similar presentations to the Paramount Chiefs of Agbozume and Agortime in the coming weeks, ensuring that all custodians of this iconic cultural tradition receive formal acknowledgment of the global honor bestowed upon their heritage.
Her tour also revisited commitments made during her first three official visits to Kumasi after assuming office. Hon. Gomashie expressed appreciation to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, for the progress made in promoting tourism and creative arts across the region. She noted that her return was to fulfill a promise and to commend the Minister for his leadership, particularly following their earlier engagement at the Truba eco‑tourism facility.
A key highlight of the tour was her stop at the Asokwa overhead, where Senior High School students across the region had been given a rare platform to showcase their creativity. As a former art student of St. Louis Secondary School, Hon. Gomashie reflected on the transformative impact such opportunities can have on young people, describing the initiative as forward‑thinking and deeply inspiring.
Her visit continued at the ASHANTIFEST marketplace, where she encountered a powerful display of craftsmanship by inmates of the Ghana Prisons Service. The vocational training programs, designed to equip inmates with employable skills, were on full display through high‑quality works that left the Minister visibly impressed. She praised the Service for its commitment to rehabilitation and skill development, noting that the creativity and discipline reflected in the products were “truly remarkable.”
Hon. Gomashie extended commendation to Dr. Frank Amoakohene and the various Assemblies for their dedication to elevating tourism, culture, and creative arts in the Ashanti Region. She emphasized that the momentum being built is only the beginning, with more initiatives expected to unfold in the months ahead.
Sankofaonline will continue to follow developments as the Ministry deepens its engagement with traditional authorities, regional leaders, and creative communities across the country.
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