The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has welcomed a high-level delegation from Columbus, Ohio, in the United States, as part of efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy, heritage tourism and economic collaboration between Ghana and the diaspora.
The delegation is led by former Mayor of Columbus, Ohio, Michael B. Coleman, and includes civic leaders, philanthropists, arts patrons and cultural advocates involved in governance, business, healthcare, education and the creative arts.
The visit is being hosted by the Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, and reflects Ghana’s growing reputation as a hub for cultural exchange, heritage tourism and collaboration within the creative industry.
Members of the delegation include arts advocate Deidre Hamlar Stephens, real estate and housing development leader Charles Hillman, non-profit executive Jatona “Toni” Cunningham, global branding strategist Sebastian Ibel, healthcare advocate and author Sharon Malone, philanthropists Keith B. Key and Donica Key, arts curator Rebecca McCabe Ibel, and corporate and philanthropic leader Janelle N. Coleman.
The group represents a cross-section of American leadership and highlights the broad-based partnership Ghana is building with cities across the United States.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, Mrs Houadjeto said the engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships linking culture, creativity and economic opportunity between Ghana and international partners.
She noted that the visit reflects the growing global interest in Ghana as a centre for culture, heritage and creative exchange, adding that the authority looked forward to building long-term collaborations that would benefit both communities.
During their stay, the delegation will participate in curated cultural experiences, heritage tours and strategic engagements with tourism stakeholders and leaders in the creative industry.
The visit will also include meetings with policy officials and cultural institutions to explore partnerships in areas such as cultural exchange, arts collaboration, tourism promotion and community development.
Mrs Houadjeto said the engagement was expected to strengthen cooperation in cultural exchange and arts partnerships, heritage tourism promotion, education and youth leadership programmes, creative industry collaboration, as well as economic and philanthropic initiatives.
She added that the presence of internationally respected figures from business, philanthropy, healthcare and the arts highlights Ghana’s growing role as a cultural anchor for the African diaspora.
The visit forms part of Ghana’s broader strategy to deepen diaspora engagement while positioning the country as a leading destination for heritage tourism, cultural exchange and investment in the creative industry.
