Ghanaian broadcaster Austine Woode has publicly stated that the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has failed in her role. Woode expressed his disappointment during the ninth edition of Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable on Saturday, August 8, 2026. He argued that the Minister has not established concrete plans that would genuinely benefit the industry.
Woode elaborated that the Minister has prioritized workshops and stakeholder engagements over practical, on-the-ground initiatives. He specifically questioned the progress on the proposed Kumasi theatre project, stating that no discussions about land acquisition have occurred. This suggests a disconnect between ministerial activities and the actual needs of industry stakeholders.
This criticism comes as Ghana’s creative economy seeks significant government support to grow and create jobs. The tourism and creative arts sectors are crucial for economic diversification and attracting foreign investment. Past governments have often faced scrutiny over their commitment to these sectors, with many projects remaining incomplete or underfunded.
Woode, a stakeholder from Kumasi, emphasized the need for foundational development rather than superficial activities. He stated, "I have a problem with our minister. She is from our stock but she has failed for me." He further added, "What they are doing is throwing things against the wall and the one that will stick, they come to highlight it. All of those things are not going to help the people. Let us go to the basics and build from there."
The President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) echoed Woode's sentiments, giving the current government a 0% score for its performance in the sector. This collective dissatisfaction from industry figures indicates a growing frustration with the pace and direction of development.
In response, Minister Gomashie, speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 10, 2026, offered a different perspective. She noted that after a tour of the Ashanti Region, she identified several infrastructural projects that required completion. The Minister stated her suggestion was to finish these existing facilities instead of initiating new theatre constructions. This approach aims to optimize resource allocation and ensure existing investments yield returns.
The Showbiz Roundtable, themed “Assessing 20 Months of Government’s Impact on Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts,” brought together various industry leaders. These included Francis Doku, Chief Operating Officer of Maestro Africa Group, and Jesse Agyepong, Lead Consultant at Jesse Agyepong and Associates. Their discussions focused on evaluating government commitments, implementation levels, policy impacts, and future strategies for Ghana’s creative economy. The event highlighted the ongoing debate about the most effective strategies for developing these vital sectors.
The implications of this public critique are significant for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. It places pressure on Minister Gomashie to demonstrate tangible progress and address stakeholder concerns. Future policy decisions will likely be scrutinized more closely, particularly regarding infrastructure development and industry engagement. The government's ability to respond effectively to these criticisms will influence public perception and the sector's growth trajectory.
Investors and industry players will be watching for concrete actions that translate into real economic benefits. The debate underscores the importance of transparent and accountable governance in driving Ghana's economic development. The tourism sector alone generated $4.34 billion from 1.3 million tourist arrivals in 2025, highlighting its economic potential. Effective leadership is crucial to harness this potential fully.