Ghana has accepted an invitation to participate as Guest Country at Burkina Faso’s 22nd National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso from April 22 to May 2, 2026.
The invitation was extended to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo, and the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, Mr David Kabré.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, said the invitation highlighted the importance of preserving cultural and social values while promoting intergenerational dialogue amid evolving social dynamics.
She welcomed the invitation, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy between the two countries.
Madam Gomashie emphasized that “despite changing political contexts, Ghana and Burkina Faso remain bound by deep historical and cultural ties.”
She said the festival provides an opportunity to empower young creatives, expand exhibition platforms, and promote commercial exchange within the creative sector.
Madam Gomashie assured her counterpart of Ghana’s full participation, adding that the country “would assemble a strong delegation to represent its cultural and creative industries.”
She described the initiative as a strategic use of culture to deepen bilateral relations, enhance people-to-people connections, and create economic opportunities for creatives in both countries.
Madam Gomashie stressed the importance of positioning culture at the centre of development and leveraging such platforms to support youth employment and regional integration.
Mr Ouédraogo expressed appreciation for the warm reception and underscored the need for collaborative planning to ensure a successful event.
He commended the strong cultural bonds between the two nations and reaffirmed his government’s readiness to work closely with Ghana to deliver a memorable festival featuring cultural performances, a community village and gastronomy fair, an arts market, literary engagements, and a craft and trade fair.
Mr Ouédraogo noted that Ghana’s participation as Guest Country would strengthen diplomatic relations between President John Dramani Mahama and President Ibrahim Traoré, while fostering greater collaboration within the creative ecosystem of both countries
GNA
