In a momentous occasion coinciding with World Tourism Day, Ghana unveiled its first-ever Creative Arts Hall of Fame in Sekondi.
This historic event pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Sekondi, a renowned center for Ghanaian music, and honors the exceptional talents that have shaped the nation’s vibrant creative scene.
The Hall of Fame, situated at Duawusu in Asamansudu, a suburb of Sekondi, holds a special place in local folklore as the birthplace of numerous musical legends.
Inspired by esteemed institutions around the world, this new landmark recognizes the lifetime achievements of pioneers in Ghana’s creative arts.
“These halls of fame stand as testaments to the power of creativity in shaping our world and driving economic growth,” declared Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, during the unveiling ceremony.
Highlighting the economic significance of the creative sector, Minister Mercer further emphasized, “The arts are not just a vital contributor to our economy; they fuel tourism, boost export earnings, and create countless job opportunities.”
Inaugural Inductees and Future Plans
The very first inductees into the Hall of Fame represent a who’s who of Ghanaian artistic luminaries, including icons like Paapa Yankson, AB Crentsil, and Felicia Abban. These legends, as Minister Mercer stated, “have enriched our cultural heritage and elevated Ghana’s presence on the global stage.”
The Minister also unveiled plans for the Hall of Fame’s future. It will be integrated into the ongoing renovations of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Sekondi. Additionally, there are plans to replicate this initiative across the country, ensuring every region has a platform to celebrate its unique creative talents.
To make this recognition a yearly tradition, Minister Mercer announced the addition of new inductees each year during World Tourism Day celebrations, ensuring that the contributions of Ghana’s artists, musicians, filmmakers, and cultural icons are continually acknowledged.
The event enjoyed widespread support, with the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority expressing his gratitude to industry stakeholders and the Sekondi community. “Together, let us celebrate our national heroes and continue to promote the arts and culture that make Ghana truly unique,” he stated.
Industry leaders, traditional chiefs, religious leaders, and youth groups all attended the ceremony, highlighting the national significance of this initiative. An official induction ceremony is scheduled for October 22, 2024. Sources and related content
