The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has led a strategic mission to Columbus, Ohio, engaging key leaders in the creative and performing arts industry. The visit strengthens Ghana’s global tourism brand and sets the stage for a 2026 Creative Arts and Investment Delegation to Ghana.
In a decisive step toward positioning Ghana as Africa’s Creative Capital, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, met with top leaders across the arts and creative industries in Columbus, Ohio.
The meetings formed part of GTA’s broader mission to align tourism development with the creative economy, fostering global partnerships that spotlight Ghana’s cultural assets as vehicles for economic growth and international collaboration.
Strategic Engagements with U.S. Arts Leaders
During the first week of November 2025, Ms. Houadjeto engaged with a distinguished lineup of cultural leaders, including: Michael Reese, Founder and President, Columbus Artway Inc.
Leda Hoffmann, Artistic Director, The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio Jason Gay, Vice President of Operations, CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts)
Amy Drake, Playwright and Producer Tom Katzenmeyer, President and CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC)
These discussions focused on creating sustainable partnerships that connect Ghana’s creative sector with international investors, arts patrons, and cultural institutions.
A key outcome of the mission was the establishment of a framework to host a Creative Arts and Investment Delegation to Ghana in the first quarter of 2026. The delegation will visit Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast to explore investment opportunities, exchange ideas, and experience Ghana’s thriving arts scene.
Art as a Bridge for Economic Growth
“The arts tell the story of our people — they are the soul of Ghana’s tourism identity,”
Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority
Ms. Houadjeto underscored the power of the creative arts in shaping Ghana’s image as a cultural and tourism hub. She emphasized that the collaboration with Columbus stakeholders represents a tangible step toward building pathways for investment, mentorship, and global visibility for Ghanaian artists.
Her remarks reflect the vision of GTA’s Experience Ghana campaign, which promotes the nation’s rich artistic heritage through music, film, fashion, theatre, and visual arts.
Building Creative Corridors Between Ghana and Ohio
The Columbus engagements expanded on earlier Ghana-Columbus cultural forums and explored opportunities to host Ghana Arts Showcases in Columbus
Establish artist-in-residence exchange programmes
Facilitate investment tours for American art patrons
Develop arts education collaborations for young creatives
Michael Reese of Columbus Artway Inc. described the collaboration as “an exciting step toward an authentic cultural partnership that celebrates creativity and entrepreneurship between two dynamic cities.”
Leda Hoffmann of The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio added, “Ghana’s storytelling traditions are deeply inspiring, and we’re eager to explore creative bridges through theatre and performance.”
Positioning Ghana as Africa’s Creative Capital
The Ghana Tourism Authority continues to integrate creative arts, heritage, and tourism promotion under a unified national strategy. The initiative aims to drive creative exports, job creation, and investment while strengthening Ghana’s reputation as a destination where culture, innovation, and hospitality converge.
“This is the future of tourism — where art, culture, and enterprise create lasting economic value,”
— Maame Efua Houadjeto
Looking Ahead
The upcoming Creative Arts & Investment Delegation to Ghana in early 2026 will include cultural leaders, producers, and art philanthropists from the United States. Participants will engage with Ghanaian creatives, visit galleries and studios, and explore partnerships that support local creative industries.
As these partnerships take root, Ghana continues to affirm its leadership as Africa’s Creative Capital — where tourism meets innovation, and culture drives investment.
