Africa-Press – Ghana. Ghana has signaled strong readiness to host the 2026 edition of EcoFest, the West African Arts and Culture Festival, leveraging its rich cultural heritage.
It will also honour the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the globally celebrated icon of African liberation.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, made this known on the sidelines of this year’s EcoFest in Dakar.
She emphasised that hosting the festival in Ghana would not only celebrate Dr Nkrumah’s memory but also position the country as a gateway to Africa’s cultural revival.
“I have been telling my colleague ministers that if they must vote on it, then Ghana should be the next one. We are the gateway to Africa, and they should do it in honour of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his descendants,” she said.
“Bring it back home to Ghana. As we celebrate the NkrumahFest, we will add it to the EcoFest, and it will be a marvelous experience, I can assure you.”
The Minister noted that Ghana was fully prepared for the responsibility, pointing to its vibrant cultural heritage and the country’s commitment to hosting a festival that strengthened regional cohesion, promoted peace, and drove economic growth through cultural exchange.
This year’s EcoFest, themed: “The Power of Culture,” underscored the role of arts and heritage in shaping identity, preserving traditions, boosting infrastructure development, and enhancing human capital across West Africa.
“Ghana hopes to build on this momentum by hosting a festival that not only celebrates culture but also stimulates investment in the creative economy,” Madam Gomashie said.
She appealed to her colleague ministers across West Africa to support Ghana’s bid, describing it as both a cultural opportunity and a symbolic tribute to Nkrumah’s enduring legacy.
Mr Charles Sedem Hoto, EcoFest Ghana Focal Person, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of hosting the festival here.
He stressed that EcoFest could open doors across the cultural value chain, stimulate entrepreneurship, and expand business opportunities for local creatives.
“It brings a lot of opportunities to our people. It exposes the culture of our people, and cultural entrepreneurs have an opportunity,” he noted, adding that a multi-sectoral approach would amplify the festival’s economic and social impact.
With growing support and a compelling case for selection, Mr Hoto said Ghana was ready to take the baton, promising a spectacular and culturally rich edition of EcoFest should it be granted the 2026 hosting rights.
The Ghanaian delegation to Dakar included Mr Divine Owusu Ansah, Director of Culture and Creative Arts, and technical officers representing Ghana’s Arts, Culture, and Creative industry institutions.
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