The maiden edition of the Adinkra International Arts and Crafts Show Ghana (AIACSG) has been launched at Konkonuru in the Akuapem South Municipality in the Eastern Region.
This 10-day festival, organised by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), began on Friday and will conclude on Saturday.
It will serve as a dynamic platform for artists to exhibit their talents, connect with industry peers, and explore lucrative business prospects while promoting African artistry and cultural exchange.
At the opening ceremony, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Kabina Tahir Hammond, in a speech read on his behalf, praised GEPA for organising the event and their efforts in implementing government policies related to non-traditional exports, as evidenced by the notable improvements in the Industrial Arts & Crafts sub-sector.
“The Adinkra Show exemplifies our commitment to promoting economic growth and job creation through the creative arts sector. It celebrates our cultural heritage while amplifying the voices of our artisans and entrepreneurs on the global stage,” he said.
The sector minister, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Adansi-Asoka Constituency in the Ashanti Region, added that “I hope that the show offers opportunities for market diversification, export expansion, and knowledge sharing and I am pleased to see international buyers participating, as this will stimulate sector growth and create new business opportunities.”
The Minister-Designate for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, in a speech, also read on his behalf, underscored the historical and contemporary cultural milestones that had distinguished Ghana globally, such as the Pan-African Festival of Arts and Culture (Panafest), the Chale Wote Festival, and the Year of Return.
These initiatives, he reiterated, had not only captivated audiences worldwide but also bolstered the tourism sector and improved the economic prospects of Ghanaian artisans.
The AIACSG, according to the minister, stands as another testament to the dynamic fusion of tourism, art, and culture, providing a platform to showcase the craftsmanship of Ghanaian artisans while serving as a beacon for economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
Mr Mercer urged all stakeholders to rally behind the AIACSG and envision it as a cornerstone of a broader strategy to position Ghana as a hub for artistic excellence and cultural exchange.
The Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Dr Afua Asabea Asare, highlighted the role of the show in fostering collaborations between the creative arts sector and the tourism industry, adding that the partnership, exemplified by GEPA’s collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), was poised to bolster both sectors and contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic growth.
The CEO said the show had the five thematic zones that showcased a wide array of high-value craft items, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics to appeal to a global audience.
The Adinkra Show, according to the CEO, also featured a lineup of engaging seminars, expert presentations, and entertaining sessions, offering participants a holistic experience that combined knowledge sharing, networking, and artistic appreciation.
FROM STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG, KONKONURU
