The governing Board for the Newly constituted National Commission on Culture (NCC) has been inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie

On August 5, Abla Dzifa Gomashie addressed attendees and emphasised the board’s vital role in steering the Commission toward achieving its mandate in line with national development objectives.

The board is expected to provide strategic leadership and guidance to the Commission, ensuring that all programs are firmly aligned with Ghana’s national priorities.

It will also uphold principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance in the management of the Commission.

The minister noted that effective oversight of the Commission’s limited resources will be one of the board’s most critical responsibilities.

By fostering collaboration, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement, the board will help strengthen the Commission’s operational efficiency and cultural impact.

The newly inaugurated board comprises distinguished individuals drawn from various sectors, including academia, traditional leadership, the creative arts, and public administration.

Members include Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, Richard Baffour-Awuah, Bridget Mensah, Abena Annobea Asare, Mama Aflo-Vuiede II, Dr. Jacob Paarechuga Anankware, Gladys Boateng, Anna Kportufe, Edinam Korkor Atatsi, Mildred Ashley, Abdul-Samed Yakubu Gomda, and Adiza Baba-Issah.

The event was also attended by the Directors of the Ministry, led by the Chief Director, Joseph Kwasi Amoah.

On January 16, 2025, President Mahama nominated Dzifa Gomashie, the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, as the Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts.

Gomashie had previously held the position of Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts during Mahama's administration from 2013 to 2017.

Meanwhile, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has promised to work hard and make a difference.

Speaking on her first day in office on Monday, January 27, 2025, she assured her team of her dedication to the role.

Dzifa Gomashie was warmly received by the ministry’s Director of Human Resources and Acting Chief Director, Vittus Otto Langmagne. She also met with directors and the management team to discuss the ministry’s plans moving forward.

The minister stressed the need for teamwork and urged her team to fully support President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for the sector. She asked them to play their part in ensuring the ministry succeeds.

She also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism, culture, and creative arts in a way that benefits everyone involved.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Dzifa Gomashie expressed confidence in her ability to drive growth, create opportunities, and leave a positive impact.

"While I may not be new to this ministry, I am open to learning new things, and I am confident that together, we can achieve great things.

"I am excited to embark on this journey and I look forward to working with each and every one of you," she added.

Although it her first day at work in this administration, Dzifa Gomashie was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts from 2013 to 2017 when John Mahama served his first term as Ghana's president.

This time, in what is a promotion, she has returned to the helm of the ministry to serve as sector minister.

She has also pledged to focus on developing key tourist sites, including Mole National Park in the Savannah Region.

During her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, she stressed the importance of strategic investments to make major tourist destinations more attractive.

“I agree with you that Mole, for years, has been one of the most frequently visited sites. What it needs is more investment. Our country must focus on giving more to this sector to attract the required resources. I will be pushing for this agenda,” she said.

Additionally, Gomashie mentioned the Black Star Experience model, a framework aimed at empowering district, municipal, and metropolitan assemblies to initiate projects in arts, tourism, and culture, thereby stimulating local economies.

As the Member of Parliament for Ketu South and a Queen Mother in the Aflao Traditional Area, she reaffirmed her commitment to leveraging tourism, culture, and creative arts as vital contributors to Ghana’s economic transformation.

Another pledge she has made is to focus on developing key tourist sites, including Mole National Park in the Savannah Region.

During her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, she stressed the importance of strategic investments to make major tourist destinations more attractive.

“I agree with you that Mole, for years, has been one of the most frequently visited sites. What it needs is more investment. Our country must focus on giving more to this sector to attract the required resources. I will be pushing for this agenda,” she said.

Additionally, Gomashie mentioned the Black Star Experience model, a framework aimed at empowering district, municipal, and metropolitan assemblies to initiate projects in arts, tourism, and culture, thereby stimulating local economies.

As the Member of Parliament for Ketu South and a Queen Mother in the Aflao Traditional Area, she reaffirmed her commitment to leveraging tourism, culture, and creative arts as vital contributors to Ghana’s economic transformation.

Meanwhile, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has completely dismissed allegations making rounds on social media regarding sector Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie’s conduct and professionalism.

Head of Public Relations, for the sector, Delassie Mabel Awuku, indicated that the allegations should be regarded as false narratives being propagated the mislead the public

“These assertions, portraying the Minister as disrespectful and unprofessional, are not only wholly unfounded but also gravely misleading,” the statement noted.

The ministry has emphatically stated that the Minister has portrayed consistent humility, dedication, and a deep commitment to Ghana’s cultural development.

Thus accusations that Dzifa Gormeshie is disrespectful are unfounded.

The Ministry further highlighted the Minister’s respectful engagement with stakeholders and efforts to advance the creative arts sector, describing the circulating claims as a “regrettable attempt to tarnish her reputation.”

It also cautioned against the growing trend of sensational content crafted to deceive the public and called for an “unqualified apology” from those responsible for spreading the allegations.

“We call for an unqualified apology for the blatant lies peddled against the Minister and the directors of the Ministry,” it stated.