Blackstar Experience will Feature Street Carnivals, Film Week, Fashion and Food - Mahama

Accra, Ghana - 28 Feb, 2025 - Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has announced a flagship initiative aimed at establishing Ghana as the gateway to Africa for the global diaspora.

The Blackstar Experience, a key component of the National Democratic Congress's 2024 manifesto, promises to showcase Ghana's rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and creative arts scene.

Delivering his first State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday 27 Feb, Mahama noted that the programme will feature a diverse range of activities, including concert party competitions, film events, and street carnivals. A key highlight of the initiative is the Pan African Month, which will include street carnivals, film weeks, fashion festivals, and food fairs, among other events.

He emphasized the importance of positioning the Blackstar Experience as a uniquely Ghanaian tourism brand, showcasing the country's warm hospitality and rich cultural diversity. The government will collaborate with the private sector, diplomatic missions, ministries, departments, and agencies to achieve this goal.

In addition to the Blackstar Experience, President Mahama has also announced plans to develop Osu Castle into a major tourist attraction, featuring a pedestrian precinct with arts and craft markets, jewelry and gold markets. The government has also pledged to resume work on the Marine Drive Project in Accra, a significant urban redevelopment initiative aimed at transforming Accra's coastline into a vibrant tourism and economic hub.

The President has stressed the vital role that tourism, culture, and creative arts play in Ghana's national development strategy, driving job creation, cultural exchange, and economic growth. By harnessing the country's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and dynamic creative sector, Ghana aims to become a premier global destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

"The Pan African Month will be a part of the Blackstar Experience. It will include street carnivals, film week, fashion festival, food fair, theoretical and drama performances, concert party competitions, and monthly domestic tourism destinations," he stated.

To achieve this goal, the government will strategically promote meetings, conferences, and exhibitions tourism, leveraging Ghana's peaceful and democratic environment to host international summits, business conventions, and high-profile gatherings. By capitalizing on this unique advantage, Ghana aims to strengthen its reputation as a hub for international events and a gateway to Africa for the global diaspora.

Source: Lead News Online