Africa-Press – Ghana. The Black Star Experience Secretariat (BSE), under the Office of the President, Ghana, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA) to strengthen cultural ties and deepen collaboration within the creative industries of both nations.
The MoU, signed at a ceremony hosted at the NAC headquarters in Johannesburg, seeks to unlock new opportunities in cultural and creative exchange, heritage preservation, arts education, institutional capacity building, and joint research initiatives.
Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo, Chief Executive Officer of the BSE, signed on behalf of Ghana, while Ms. Julie Diphofa, Acting Chief Executive Officer of NACSA, represented South Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Marfo described the agreement as “more than an MoU” but rather “a bridge between Ghana and South Africa, and by extension, between West and Southern Africa.”
“Our nations share deep historical bonds. Ghana, as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, and South Africa, whose liberation struggle inspired the world, have always stood as beacons of resilience, creativity, and leadership on the continent. It is only fitting that we formalize cooperation in a sector that speaks to the soul of our people, Arts and Culture,” he said.
He noted that the collaboration would enable artists from both countries to share knowledge, showcase their work across borders, and inspire future generations, while also preserving shared heritage and strengthening arts education and youth engagement.
Ms. Diphofa, on her part, hailed the partnership as “a milestone in advancing Africa’s creative ecosystem,” adding that both countries, as leaders in arts and culture, were committed to using cultural diplomacy to enhance opportunities for creatives on the continent.
As part of the agreement, South African creatives will gain access to Ghana’s vibrant cultural platforms including Creatives Connect Afrika, Afro Future, Tidal Rave Ghana, Beyond The Return, and the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA). These events reach audiences across West Africa and the diaspora, opening up opportunities in a combined market of more than 460 million people.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of President John Dramani Mahama and President Cyril Ramaphosa to promote cultural diplomacy as a driver of African unity, economic growth, and global influence.
The Ghanaian delegation to the signing included Mrs. Charlotte Djan of the Ghana High Commission in South Africa; Mr. Kofi Okyere Darko, Director, Office of the President (Diaspora Affairs); Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Ms. Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat; Mr. William Ahadzi, Regional Director (Upper East) of the Ghana Tourism Authority; and Mr. Matthew Mensah, Chief Liaison Officer of the BSE.
The partnership affirms the mandate of the Black Star Experience Secretariat to position Ghana as a premier hub for cultural exchange and creative collaboration, while celebrating Africa’s rich heritage and expanding opportunities for creatives to thrive globally.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
