The minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer has launched Ghana’s first Creative Arts Hall of Fame in Sekondi on September 28,2024 during the celebration of World Tourism Day.
This historic celebration aims to honor the rich cultural heritage of Sekondi as a hub of music and to pay tribute to the extraordinary talents that have fueled the country’s vibrant creative sector. The Hall, located at Duawusu in Asamansudu—a suburb of Sekondi—is believed to be the birthplace of numerous renowned Ghanaian music talents according to local folklore.
The Creative Arts Hall of Fame draws inspiration from similar institutions around the globe that honor the lifetime achievements of pioneers in the creative arts. “These halls of fame stand as testaments to the power of creativity in shaping our world and driving economic growth,” stated the Minister during the unveiling ceremony.
Highlighting the contribution of the creative arts to the Ghanaian economy, Minister Mercer remarked, “The creative arts sector is not only a vital contributor to our economy but also fuels tourism, stimulates export revenues, and creates numerous job opportunities.”
The inaugural class of inductees into the Hall of Fame includes some of Ghana’s most iconic figures in the creative arts: Paapa Yankson, AB Crentsil, Felicia Abban, Ebo Taylor, Kwaw Ansah, Jewel Ackah, Joris Watenburg, Mike Eghan, Ray Allen, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, CK Mann, and Nana Bosompra. “These legends—the first list of inductees—have enriched our cultural heritage and elevated Ghana’s presence on the global stage,” the Minister noted.
Minister Mercer further announced that the National Creative Arts Hall of Fame will be integrated into the ongoing renovations at the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Sekondi. Plans are already in motion to replicate this initiative nationwide, allowing each region to celebrate its unique creative talents.
To ensure sustained recognition, the Minister revealed that new inductees will be added annually as part of each year’s World Tourism Day celebrations, maintaining ongoing acknowledgment of the contributions made by Ghana’s artists, musicians, filmmakers, and cultural icons.
Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, expressed his appreciation to the various stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the successful completion of the project. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Sekondi community for their unwavering support in making the Creative Arts Hall of Fame a reality. “Together, let us celebrate our national heroes and continue to promote the arts and culture that make Ghana truly unique,” he concluded.
The unveiling ceremony saw the attendance of industry captains, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and youth groups. An official induction ceremony is scheduled for October 22, 2024.
