Dzifa Ablah Gomashie pledges to preserve Ghana’s audiovisual heritage

Dzifa Ablah Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s audiovisual and creative industries. Speaking at the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage in Accra, the Minister highlighted the critical need to protect the nation’s recorded history and creative outputs. The event, held under the theme "Your Window to the World," served as a platform to advocate for the preservation of films, sound recordings, and other audiovisual materials that document the country’s cultural journey.

The Minister emphasized that the works of pioneering filmmakers must be protected to provide a solid foundation for the next generation of creative practitioners. She pledged that the government would continue to strengthen the creative economy by enhancing opportunities for both current and future professionals in the field. This commitment includes addressing systemic challenges faced by the industry to ensure that the heritage created today remains accessible for decades to come.

The celebration was organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-IFT). A highlight of the event was the recognition of veteran filmmaker Rev. Dr. Chris Hesse, whose significant contributions to the industry were officially honored. During the discussions, industry leaders pointed out significant hurdles, such as inadequate financial resources and a shortage of specialized personnel trained in modern digital preservation techniques.

By marking this international day, the Ministry aims to raise public awareness about the fragility of audiovisual records and the importance of professional conservation. The initiative underscores a broader strategy to leverage the creative arts as a pillar of national identity and economic growth. As the industry evolves, the focus remains on ensuring that Ghana’s cultural legacy remains open to the world through the diligent protection and archiving of its audiovisual history.