By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a sweeping national strategy to reposition tourism, creative arts, and cultural identity as key drivers of economic growth, global branding, and national unity, during his State of the Nation Address to Parliament monitored by News Volta.
The President revealed that government has injected substantial funding into Ghana’s creative sector, a move aimed at accelerating innovation, job creation, cultural exports, and youth entrepreneurship.
He assured practitioners within the creative industry and the Ministry of Tourism of his personal commitment to champion the promotion of Ghana’s tourism and creative economy, declaring himself a national ambassador for tourism and creative arts.
“This injection of funding will strengthen our creative sectors, create opportunities for our young people, and expand Ghana’s cultural footprint across Africa and beyond,” President Mahama stated.
Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to Undergo Major Refurbishment
In line with government’s vision to attract global conferences, events, and entertainment, the President announced the comprehensive refurbishment of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to restore its historic role as Ghana’s premier conference and events facility.
The original contractors, Energoproject Ghana Limited, have completed a structural integrity assessment and will commence full renovation works within the next few weeks, based on recommendations submitted to the Office of the Chief of Staff.
Acknowledging that the AICC alone cannot meet Ghana’s expanding creative and events ambitions, government will partner the private sector to construct a state-of-the-art convention and creative events centre.
This new facility is expected to position Ghana as West Africa’s leading hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions (MICE), musical concerts, and large-scale entertainment events, significantly boosting tourism inflows and foreign exchange earnings.
Additionally, the long-closed State Banquet Hall will undergo full renovation this year, further strengthening Ghana’s national events infrastructure.
Sports, Tourism and Global Branding Synergy
President Mahama emphasized that major sporting events are key drivers of tourism, national branding, and economic expansion, beyond their athletic value.
He confirmed Ghana’s participation in several high-profile international competitions, including:
- 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – featuring the Black Queens, building on their bronze medal success in Morocco
- 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar – to strengthen elite athlete development
- 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – reinforcing Ghana’s global sporting presence
He urged Ghanaian supporters traveling abroad to strictly observe visa conditions, warning that irresponsible travel behavior could threaten Ghana’s restored five-year non-immigrant visa privileges with the United States.
Journalist Protection and Media Revitalization
President Mahama, a member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), expressed deep concern about violence and harassment against journalists, particularly by some security personnel.
He directed security agencies to enforce discipline and professionalism in dealing with media practitioners, emphasizing the central role of journalists in sustaining democracy.
He also announced plans to revitalize state-owned media houses, which are struggling with funding shortages and deteriorating infrastructure. A media development fund is under consideration to strengthen journalism and improve media sustainability nationwide.
Cultural Diplomacy and National Identity
Reflecting on Ghana’s recent cultural engagement in Zambia, President Mahama highlighted how national unity transformed a moment of cultural misrepresentation into an opportunity for diplomatic goodwill and cultural connection.
“We turned ridicule into respect, confusion into connection, and potential embarrassment into friendship,” he noted.
He urged Ghanaians to defend national identity with the same passion applied to political discourse, stressing that cultural pride must translate into development unity.
President Mahama reaffirmed his belief in full presidential accountability, stating that the ultimate responsibility for Ghana’s direction rests with him.
However, he emphasized that nation-building is a shared responsibility, requiring discipline, integrity, enterprise, and patriotism from every Ghanaian.
“While the buck stops with me, the work of building Ghana belongs to all of us,” he concluded.
Source News Volta | Monitoring Desk
