Abla Dzifa Gomashie
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged Ghanaian dancers to incorporate elements of Ghanaian culture, traditions, and heritage into their performances, costumes, and overall artistic expression.
Speaking at the Ghana Dance Industry Awards, the minister gave Ghanaians the assurance that the government will support the dance industry’s expansion and growth, as it is expected to play a significant role in driving tourism.
The awards scheme was organised to honour Ghanaian dance icons and stakeholders who have contributed to the development of dance in the year under review.
The Ghana Dance Industry Awards brought together all the players in the dance fraternity, as some of them performed at a grand ceremony on the night.
“You will receive the same affection that you have shown John Dramani Mahama and the NDC. I want to reassure you that dance will continue to grow and be the driving force behind tourism,” she stated.
She encouraged dancers to include Ghanaian cultural elements into their careers, and underlined the value of dance in showcasing Ghanaian culture and increasing tourism.
“I want to encourage everyone to incorporate a bit of Ghana into everything they do, from drums to costumes,” she said.
To highlight Ghana’s inventiveness, the minister encouraged those working in the creative sector to engage in artistic pursuits like dancing.
“Where are the musicians, where are the fashion people? Dance, Theatre, Music – they are together, so when we stand for you, we urge you to also stand by,” she added.