Ambassador Dr. Stephen Kojo Sackey, a prominent Ghanaian UN Goodwill Peace Ambassador, has called on world leaders to recognize and harness the power of cultural placemaking as a catalyst for economic development and trade investment.
Dr. Sackey stressed the critical role of arts, culture, and heritage in shaping vibrant communities and fostering economic growth. “To make a meaningful impact in our social settings, we must acknowledge the importance of arts, culture, and heritage in shaping where we live and making it a better place,” he asserted. He urged traditional authorities and government leaders to work together in creating public spaces that resonate with both locals and international visitors, thereby promoting cultural values and economic prosperity.
Highlighting Ghana as a successful example, Dr. Sackey pointed to iconic cultural landmarks such as the Bunsu Arboretum, Aburi Botanical Garden, Wli Waterfalls, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, Manhyia Palace, Okomfo Anokye Sword, Cape Coast Castle, Paga Zenga Crocodile Pond, and Kintampo Waterfalls in the Bono East Region. These sites have transformed local areas into dynamic public spaces, attracting visitors from around the world and boosting the local economy. “We must cherish and promote placemaking in our societies,” he added.
Dr. Sackey also drew attention to Meshanticut, a neighborhood in Cranston, Rhode Island, as a prime example of placemaking in the United States. Featuring Victorian homes, cottages, capes, and Meshanticut State Park, the area attracts thousands of tourists annually. The park, surrounding Meshanticut Lake, offers fishing in the summer and ice skating in winter, significantly contributing to the local community’s vibrancy and economy.
Ghana has become a major destination for tourists traveling to West Africa, particularly from the United States. In 2023, nearly 134,000 Americans visited Ghana, contributing to a total of 1.1 million tourist arrivals that year, marking a sharp increase from previous years impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These visits have strengthened ties between Ghana and the United States, with tourism forex earnings for Ghana amounting to US$1.5 billion annually. In 2022, the hotels and restaurants sector alone contributed an estimated 3.9 billion Ghanaian cedis (approximately 257.3 million U.S. dollars) to Ghana’s GDP.
The ambassador highlighted the reciprocal relationship between the two countries, noting that many Ghanaians visit prominent U.S. tourist sites such as Times Square, which attracts about 50 million visitors annually. This mutual tourism exchange has bolstered economic, social, and investment ties between Ghana and the United States.
Emphasizing the importance of Indigenous involvement in tourism development, Dr. Sackey stated, “While placemaking can stimulate economies, promote infrastructure development, and protect natural and cultural resources, the indigenous people of each placemaking area are best positioned to outline and provide clear details of their tourist sites. They are in the best position to narrate the historical facts of the area.”
Dr. Sackey warned against the reckless commodification of cultural assets, which alienates Indigenous communities, perpetuates cultural exploitation, and endangers biodiversity. He called on world leaders to recognize the impact of cultural placemaking on Indigenous communities and ensure their involvement in decision-making processes to preserve authenticity and foster mutual understanding.
Source: Francis Agyapong Nimpong
