Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on Ghanaians to take collective responsibility for protecting the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage for future generations.
The Minister made the call during an engagement with an Italian delegation, where discussions highlighted the growing cooperation between Ghana and Italy in the areas of culture, creativity, environmental awareness and heritage preservation.
Gomashie Raises Concern Over Environmental Destruction
Gomashie expressed concern about practices that continue to threaten Ghana’s natural environment, including pollution, the destruction of wetlands and other activities that undermine ecological sustainability.
She stressed that protecting the environment should not be left solely to government institutions, arguing that individuals, communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders all have a role to play.
The Minister also emphasised the need for stronger public advocacy to encourage responsible environmental practices across the country.
Early Education Key to Environmental Protection
According to Gomashie, environmental consciousness should begin at an early age.
She called for greater emphasis on educating children about the importance of protecting nature, preserving wetlands and maintaining clean communities.
Her comments reflect a broader emphasis on using education and public awareness alongside enforcement to address environmental challenges.
Ghana-Italy Cultural Cooperation
The Minister also highlighted the growing cultural relationship between Ghana and Italy, particularly initiatives that use art, creativity and community participation to promote heritage preservation and environmental awareness.
Recent Ghana-Italy cultural initiatives have included artistic collaborations addressing climate change, marine degradation and waste management, demonstrating how creative expression can contribute to conversations about environmental sustainability.
Art and Creativity as Tools for Environmental Awareness
Gomashie noted the potential of creative industries to help communicate important messages about environmental protection and cultural preservation.
She emphasised that art can connect communities, encourage reflection and inspire people to take greater responsibility for the spaces and heritage they share.
The approach is also consistent with her broader emphasis on protecting Ghana’s cultural identity while developing the tourism and creative arts sector. Recent engagements by the Minister have stressed the importance of international partnerships and community participation in heritage conservation.
Protecting Ghana’s Heritage for Future Generations
Gomashie underscored the importance of balancing present needs with the responsibility to protect resources for future generations.
“If we stop preserving nature, we die,” she stressed, while also asking whether society adequately considers the future of young people while meeting their needs today.
Her remarks highlight the connection between environmental protection, cultural heritage, tourism and sustainable development.
Call for Collective Responsibility
The Minister’s message places responsibility for environmental and heritage protection on society as a whole.
She urged Ghanaians to become more conscious of the impact of their actions on the environment and to support initiatives aimed at preserving the country’s natural and cultural assets.
The growing Ghana-Italy cooperation provides an additional platform for using culture, creativity and international partnerships to promote environmental consciousness and strengthen heritage preservation efforts.