Ghanaian Chief of Staff Julius Debrah recently earned a PhD in Museum Studies. This academic achievement has ignited a discussion about the economic significance of museums. Many people often overlook the financial contributions these institutions make to national economies.
Experts argue that museums are not merely repositories for old artefacts. They function as vital economic assets. For example, major national museums in the United Kingdom generated £563 million in commercial revenue during the 2024–25 fiscal year. This revenue came from exhibitions, retail sales, restaurants, venue rentals, publishing, licensing, and memberships. This amount is approximately 20% of Ghana's total annual cocoa export earnings, demonstrating the substantial economic potential of museums.
This perspective challenges a narrow mindset that often prioritises degrees like MBAs over disciplines such as museum studies. The argument is that museum studies preserve culture, generate employment, and create wealth. Ghana possesses extraordinary historical and cultural assets, including forts, castles, traditional architecture, archaeological sites, festivals, textiles, crafts, and oral histories. These assets could become powerful engines for employment if managed professionally.
Kwame Sowu Jnr., a writer for MyJoyOnline News, highlighted this issue. He stated that the commentary surrounding Mr. Debrah's PhD reflects a worrying ignorance of what museums represent in modern economies. Mr. Sowu Jnr. experienced similar skepticism when he became Chairman of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. He noted that many developed countries understand that museums are not just cultural institutions but also businesses that create jobs, attract tourists, and earn foreign exchange.
Museums also support entire professional ecosystems. They create opportunities for archaeologists, historians, conservators, photographers, sculptors, painters, designers, architects, filmmakers, educators, tour guides, event managers, digital content creators, and researchers. These institutions stimulate related sectors like publishing, merchandising, hospitality, and cultural tourism. These are not theoretical jobs but real careers that contribute directly to national income and economic growth.
Ironically, many grants, technical assistance, and cultural partnerships African countries receive from Europe exist because European nations invested seriously in preserving their own heritage. They recognise the economic value embedded in culture. Ghana could leverage its rich heritage to foster similar economic benefits. This requires a shift in perception, moving beyond viewing museum studies as an obscure academic pursuit. Instead, it should be seen as a practical discipline with direct implications for tourism, education, national identity, and economic development.
The problem, according to Mr. Sowu Jnr., is that Ghana often evaluates qualifications through the narrow lens of business administration. There is a prevalent belief that an MBA is the only worthwhile postgraduate degree. While competent business managers are essential, a developed country requires specialists across various fields. These include heritage, science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, conservation, technology, and the arts. National development is built by people with diverse forms of knowledge working collaboratively, not by MBAs alone.
The recognition of museum studies as a valuable discipline could lead to increased investment in Ghana's cultural institutions. This investment could unlock significant economic opportunities, boosting tourism revenue and creating numerous jobs across various sectors. Decision-makers and markets should respond by exploring policies that support the professionalisation and commercialisation of Ghana's cultural heritage. This approach would ensure that Ghana's rich history contributes meaningfully to its economic future.