Black Star Experience will include street carnivals, concert party competitions – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that government’s flagship initiative for the tourism sector, the Blackstar Experience will be aimed at establishing Ghana as the gateway to Africa for the global diaspora.

According to him, the initiative which is captured in the 2024 manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), will feature thoughtfully curated cultural, historic and creative arts experiences, in collaboration with the private sector, diplomatic missions, ministries, departments and agencies.

Delivering his first State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, 2025, the President said the Blackstar Experience will encompass activities such as concert party competitions, film events, and street carnivals with the aim to position it as a uniquely Ghanaian Tourism brand.

“The Pan African Month will be a part of the Black Star Experience. It will include street carnivals, film week, a Fashion festival, a food fair, theatrical and drama performances, concert party competitions, and monthly domestic tourism destinations.

“We will strategically promote Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism to diversify our tourism offerings,” President Mahama said.

In his address, President Mahama also expressed government’s commitment to developing Osu Castle into a more attractive tourist site.

“We will develop the Osu Castle, the former seat of government and the area around it as a tourist attraction. It will have a pedestrian precinct with arts and craft market, jewelry and gold markets. This approximate 22-acre land will become a destination for tourism,” he noted.

President Mahama noted that Tourism, culture and creative arts remain vital cornerstones of Ghana’s national development strategy, playing a significant role in job creation, cultural exchange and economic growth.

While acknowledging that the ministry has launched transformative initiatives to position Ghana as a premiere global destination and this is positive in recent years, he also outlined other positive initiatives aimed at harnessing the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and its dynamic creative sector.

He further indicated that his government will strategically promote meetings, conferences and exhibitions tourism to diversify Ghana’s tourism offerings.

“Ghana’s peaceful and democratic envir onment positions us as an attractive hub for international summits, business conventions and high profile gatherings. We must capitalise on this unique advantage to maximise our benefits and strengthen our reputation as the country that is closest to the centre of the world,” he added.

Source: 3news.com