In a powerful demonstration of cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, engaged with top leaders in the arts and creative industries across Columbus, Ohio, to strengthen Ghana’s global tourism brand through the creative arts.

During the first week of November 2025, the GTA CEO met with a distinguished lineup of cultural leaders and organizations, including Michael Reese, Founder and President of Columbus Artway Inc.; Leda Hoffmann, Artistic Director of The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio; Jason Gay, Vice President of Operations at CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts); Amy Drake, celebrated Playwright and Producer; and Tom Katzenmeyer, President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC).

The meetings centred on forging partnerships that connect Ghana’s vibrant art scene with international investors, art patrons, and institutions.

A key outcome was a shared commitment to bring creative investors and arts patrons to Ghana in the first quarter of 2026 to explore collaboration opportunities with local artists, galleries, and cultural enterprises.

Planning for this cross-continental initiative has already begun, signalling a new chapter in creative and cultural tourism for Ghana.

Art as a Bridge for Economic Growth

Ms. Houadjeto emphasised that Ghana’s creative economy holds immense potential to attract both tourists and investors. “The arts tell the story of our people — they are the soul of Ghana’s tourism identity,” she noted.

“This collaboration is not only about cultural exchange, but about creating sustainable pathways for investment, mentorship, and global visibility for Ghanaian artists.”

Her remarks echoed Ghana Tourism Authority’s broader “Experience Ghana” campaign, which seeks to position the country as Africa’s premier cultural and tourism destination through music, film, fashion, theatre, and visual arts.

Building Creative Corridors Between Ghana and Ohio

The Columbus engagements built on the growing relationship between Ghana and the City of Columbus, following a series of bilateral forums earlier in the year. The discussions with CAPA, GCAC, and other partners explored the potential for:

• Hosting Ghana Arts Showcases in Columbus;

• Establishing artist-in-residence exchanges;

• Facilitating investment tours for American art patrons;

• And co-creating arts education programs to nurture young Ghanaian talent.

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 that “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

This initiative forms part of Ghana Tourism Authority’s larger strategy to align tourism with the creative economy — recognising artists, filmmakers, writers, and performers as vital ambassadors of Ghana’s identity on the world stage.

By attracting arts patrons and investors to Ghana, the Authority aims to drive local employment, creative exports, and cultural preservation, while showcasing Ghana’s position as a continental hub for innovation, heritage, and hospitality.

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. They will participate in curated visits to Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast to experience Ghana’s artistic diversity, interact with creatives, and explore investment opportunities in galleries, film studios, and art festivals.

The Columbus meetings marked the beginning of a visionary partnership — one that redefines tourism as not just travel, but an exchange of stories, artistry, and opportunity.

In collaboration with:

Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, Columbus Artway Inc., and creative partners in the United States.