The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Dr Ziblim Iddi Barri has expressed his utmost satisfaction to the work of the eminent committee under the able chairmanship of Prof, Panyin Hagan which set out to review the Ghana Cultural Policy under the current NPP administration.

Hon. Dr Ziblim indicated that he was also encouraged by the fact that the committee has put in place a Road Map or a Methodology that would serve as a framework to review the Ghana Cultural Policy.

Dr. Ziblim Iddi Bari, further emphasized that given his academic experience once you have a methodology spelt out, the main objective of any task becomes easier to accomplish.

Hon.Dr. Ziblim Iddi Barri, made this remarks on the occasion of the UNESCO’s 2018 Global outlook Report presentation on the Re-Shaping Cultural Policies with the Ghana Committee reviewing the country Cultural Policy, which took place on the 5th of Sep, 2019, In Accra.

He further assured the Ministry’s commitment under the sector Minister Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, to give the necessary support to the revered committee members to review the Ghana Cultural Policy, thereby delivering on their mandate.

Dr Ziblim Iddi Barri emphasized that the outcome of the Cultural policy would take into consideration the principles and values as enshrined in the 1992 constitution regarding Ghana’s Cultural Policies and values.

The Representative of the UNESCO Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, on his part Commended Ghana for taking bold initiative under the Nana Addo led NPP administration to review its cultural policy and align it to allow the sector to contribute substantially towards its socio-economic and national development.

Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, stressed that the relationship between tourism and Culture provides a unique opportunity that would contribute to the economic growth of the country.

According to him, this initiative would pave way for promoting cultural activities and industries which would invariably spur the international profile of destinations of Ghana.

Mr Diallo recounted that UNESCO conventions provide a unique global platform for international cooperation and establish a holistic cultural governance system based on human rights and shared values.

On his Part the immediate past President of the Association of the Writers, who is also the Member of the committee, Nana K. Gyan –Apenteng, presented on the committee expected outcome, stating that the committee would value Ghanaian Culture and the preamble of the Cultural Policy that would focus in the Ghanaian constitution.

The committee terms of reference are to revise Ghana’s cultural policy, Preparation of an action plan or strategic plan for implementation of the policy, Build a consensus on major programmes, activities and project to be carried out, and outlined the Propose strategy for the implementation of the cultural policy in Ghana.

Meanwhile, since the inauguration of the committee, it has held Six (6) plenaries starting from 30th January 2019, and the last was on the 22nd March 2019.

BACKGROUND
The National Commission on Culture under the MoTAC has the oversight responsibilities to implement the Cultural Policy of Ghana, under PNDC Law 235 of 1990.

Source: kessbenfm.com