Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture has shed light on the status of Afro Nation’s connection with Ghana as he disclosed that the partnership with the organizers of the Afrobeats Festival still holds.
Speaking with Happy 98.9 FM as part of the “Editors Forum,” an enlightening event hosted jointly by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority under the theme “Tourism: Policy, Progress, and Partnerships,” Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal shared a proactive approach to nurturing an ongoing relationship with Afro Nation organizers.
With anticipation and curiosity in the air, the minister addressed the subject stating, “Afro Nation has not been taken away from Ghana. We even had a meeting last week. We discussed it. There are certain demands they want, and we are trying to look at how to collaborate. It has not been taken yet. But we have alternatives.”
When asked about the prospect of Afro Nation returning to Ghana’s vibrant shores, Dr. Awal assured that, there will be more afro nation events saying, “Most likely. Very likely. This year, over the next three years,” the partnership still holds. This resounding confirmation provided a glimpse into the ministry’s strategic plan to continue hosting the event, reaffirming Ghana’s stature as a dynamic cultural hub.
The backdrop of this announcement is Afro Nation’s significant partnership with the Ghanaian government. With a 5-year partnership deal inked between the organizers of Afro Nation and the government, the continuity of the festival in Ghana is not only assured but also underscores the government’s dedication to fostering the country’s cultural exchange and economic growth.
The first edition of Afro Nation in Ghana took place in December 2019, marking a groundbreaking moment for music enthusiasts and cultural aficionados. Following a temporary hiatus due to the global pandemic, the festival made a triumphant return in December 2022, once again uniting music, culture, and entertainment on Ghanaian soil.
However, last year’s edition witnessed some mishaps in security due to the venue change from Laboma Beach to Independence Square as some Ghanaians expressed their dismay. The Afrobeats festival was since reported to have been over in Ghana with concerns about how it may affect the whole December in GH initiative.
By: Jude Tackie