Ghana has officially launched the Blackstar Experience, a bold new initiative aimed at transforming the country’s tourism, culture, and creative arts landscape into a globally recognized brand.
Held at the symbolic Freedom and Justice Monument in Accra’s Black Star Square on May 1, 2025, the event brought together key figures in government, the arts, and the broader “orange economy” to mark what is being touted as a cultural renaissance.
The experience is envisioned as a year-round celebration of Ghanaian identity and creativity, aimed at boosting tourism, attracting investment, generating employment, and redefining how the world sees Ghana.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, lent his backing to the initiative, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to uplifting the tourism, arts, and culture industries and placing them at the forefront of Ghana’s development agenda.
On his part, the Coordinator of the initiative, veteran musician Rex Owusu Marfo, described the Blackstar Experience not as a mere programme, but as a nationwide movement that seeks to rekindle national pride and share Ghana’s rich cultural essence with the world.
He emphasized that Ghana’s warmth, heritage, and vibrant cultural expressions—from its music and stories to its diverse cuisine and scenic beauty—make it a compelling destination for global audiences.
Mr Marfo added that the Blackstar Experience Secretariat will drive this transformation by weaving the programme’s framework into various national sectors, thereby positioning Ghana as Africa’s cultural heartbeat and a key destination for international travelers.
Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie expressed strong support for the project, urging that the creative arts sector be prioritized in national budget allocations, stressing its vast potential to contribute to economic growth and national development.
About the BlackStar Experience
The experience is anchored on seven thematic pillars: film, music, gastronomy, aesthetics, fashion, literature, and heritage. According to him, the long-term objective is to elevate Ghana’s international profile by aligning its tourism brand with the world’s top 20 cultural destinations.
To achieve these ambitions, both new and existing cultural initiatives will be enhanced. Partnerships with global entities are already in motion, including one with an Atlanta-based organization that holds an annual Blackstar Week.
There are also plans to host exhibition football matches featuring legendary players, build a state-of-the-art film studio named Ananse Studio, and introduce signature events like Ghana Music Week, Creative Connect, and a reimagined Detty December.
Written by Richard Boateng
