President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Black Star Experience (BSE) national project.
The ceremony, held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, saw President John Dramani Mahama leading the gathering at the Freedom & Justice Monument in Accra. In excerpts from his speech, the President stated that “The Black Star Experience is not just a tourism program; it is an opportunity to tell our story, empower our youth, and invite the world to experience Ghana in all its richness.”
The BSE, a manifesto promise by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is a national project aimed at boosting Ghana’s global appeal through artistic and creative expressions, tourism, diaspora relations, and social events, including street carnivals, theatre performances, culinary festivals, and fashion and film showcases. The program is structured around seven creative pillars: Cinema, Audio, Cuisine, Aesthetics, Style, Literature, and Culture.
The Black Star Experience additionally aims to:
- Transform Osu Castle into a cultural district with artisan markets, public art, and museums.
- Make Ghana a top destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
- Promote Ghana’s culture globally through events like AfroNation, Coachella, and Paris Fashion Week.
- Develop digital tourism tools, such as VR installations, to enhance international access.
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The initiative includes programs like the Creative Connect Conference, Talent Optimisation Project, and Ghana Experience Guides Initiative to support creatives and tourism development.
In attendance were various celebrities who came to pledge their support to the initiative. Veteran Kumawood actors and actresses, such as Irene Opare, Aborobe, Kala Kumasi, Michael Afranie, Roger Quartey, Adanko, and Nana Yeboah, among others, were present. Also in attendance were key industry figures like Kafui Danku, Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, and Abeiku Santana. Key speakers included Adam Ablah Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Mr. Rex Omar.