The High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, H.E. Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations in the field of culture. This meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening cultural ties between Barbados and Ghana and focused on potential areas for collaboration in the tourism, culture and creative arts sectors.
The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy and highlighted the mutual benefits that could arise from collaborative efforts in promoting both countries’ rich cultural heritages.
The Hon. Minister expressed interest in learning from Barbados’ successful initiatives promoting cultural tourism and developing creative industries. In turn, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of leveraging the African diaspora in Barbados and the Caribbean as a bridge for furthering collaboration with Ghana.
Both parties agreed to establish a framework for formalising the cooperation, including the drafting of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to guide future initiatives and exchanges.
The courtesy call between H.E. the Ambassador of Barbados and the Hon. Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts underscored the potential for stronger cultural ties between Barbados and Ghana. The discussion focused on key areas of collaboration in the arts, tourism, and creative industries, which could foster a greater understanding and appreciation of each country’s cultural heritage. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of this partnership, which will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of cultural diplomacy between the two nations.
The meeting concluded with the following recommendations:
1. There is a need to formalize the cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining the areas of collaboration.
2. Initiate cultural exchange programs and collaborative art exhibitions to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Present at the meeting were Mr. Phil Philips, Commercial and Cultural Attaché, Barbados High Commission, and Mr. Divine Owusu-Ansah, Director for Culture and Creative Arts at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
