Ghana Music Week A Catalyst for Tourism
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n just over two years, Ghana Music Week has become one of Africa’s most anticipated events. The Festival was held in Ghana from March 1st to 7th, 2016. It was officially opened with an hour-long live TV launch on GH-One TV. March 2nd was declared Ghana Music Day (GMD) by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts in collaboration with the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA). Radio and television stations in the country adjusted their programming comprising over 70% Ghanaian content. Ghana Music Week 2016 witnessed a cross-cultural communication through music at the first International Music Expo and Ghana Music Honours held at the National Theater in Accra on March 4th, 2016. Packed with activities ranging from concerts, to music workshops, awards, and exhibitions, the goal of the seven-day festival is to increase tourism. In fact, the theme for the festival is ‘Music, A Catalyst for Tour-
ism.” Sponsors include the American Embassy, British Council, Gold Coast Fund Management, Kasapreko, the Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, EIB Networks, and Radio Gold. At a kick-off event in Mount Vernon, New York in October, 2015, then Mayor Ernest Davis welcomed a delegation from Ghana. The City of Mount Vernon and the West African Country –particularly the City of Elmina– have a relationship going back to the 90s when an African Family Day was instituted in the Westchester County enclave. “Tourism can be used to bridge the gap between Africans and Africans in the Diaspora,” said Mayor Davis on that occasion, stressing the need for partnerships such as the one between Ghana and the City of Mount Vernon. Ghana Music Week was organized by Musiga in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Fantasy Entertainment, Showbiz Africa, and other partners. —JNW
Shatte Wale performing at the All-Star Concert
Ghanaian artist Sherrifa Gunu
Shatte Wale performing at the All-Star Concert
L-R: Danny Fennell, American Embassy Public Affairs Officer; Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts; and Bice Osei Kuffour (a/k/a Obour), president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA)
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The Positive Community May 2016
L-R: Akwasi Agyeman, president of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association and Bice Osei Kuffour (a/k/a Obour) www.thepositivecommunity.com