Accra: A 2.5 million Euro project aimed at supporting Ghana's cultural heritage sector and the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) has been launched in Accra. The three-year project, dubbed 'Sankofa II,' is an initiative of the European Union (EU) and Expertise France (EF), a subsidiary of the Agence Fran§aise de D©veloppement Group, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. It aims to foster economic opportunities by supporting the expansion of the CCIs in areas such as music, fashion, and audiovisual.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project is inspired by the Akan philosophy of 'Sankofa' and seeks to support the sustainable development of Ghana's cultural ecosystem by building bridges between the past and future. It focuses on heritage and innovation, empowering cultural actors, strengthening capacities and collaborations across sectors, and creating meaningful opportunities with a lasting impact beyond the project's lifespan.
Mr Rune Skinnebach, the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, speaking at the launch in Accra, emphasized the role of culture in national development. "Sankofa II reflects our belief in culture as a pillar of sustainable development. Culture is not a luxury, accessible only to the lucky few; it is a catalyst for economic growth, for social cohesion, and for the preservation of identity in a rapidly changing world," he said. He highlighted the EU's support for the heritage, culture, and creative sectors through regional programs such as the 'Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture,' expressing confidence that the Sankofa project would make a meaningful impact.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in a speech read on her behalf, expressed support for the project, noting its potential to safeguard Ghana's identity and empower local talents. "Sankofa II reflects Ghana's commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage while investing in the future of its creative industries," she said. "This project is not only about conservation. It is about restoring dignity to our heritage, strengthening local capacities, empowering communities, and ensuring that future generations continue to appreciate the rich history and identity that define us as a people."
The Sankofa II project contributes to the EU's cooperation priorities in West Africa under its Global Gateway Strategy. It also aligns with Ghana's national policies and the revised Ghana Culture Policy, National Tourism Development Plan, Creative Arts Strategic Framework, and Digital Ghana Agenda. Pillar one of the project focuses on enhancing cultural heritage valorization and management, while pillar two focuses on supporting innovation, access to funding, and job creation in the Cultural and Creative Industries, with a special focus on youth and women.
Expertise France, a subsidiary of the Agence Fran§aise de D©veloppement Group, is the French public agency for international development cooperation. It aims to strengthen public policies in partner countries sustainably. Working alongside public actors, civil society, and the private sector, Expertise France designs and implements projects that stimulate innovation and reinforce partners' actions to benefit everyone. With a portfolio of over 350 projects, the organization contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in over 140 countries, with public funding from French and European sources.
Ms Clara Pinh¨de, the Team Lead at Expertise France, said the organization aims to foster a more interconnected vision of culture, where heritage and contemporary creative industries strengthen one another.