Within the framework of UNESCO’s global capacity building strategy for the implementation of the 2003 Convention, a strategy was put in place to assist States Parties to create institutional and professional environments favorable to the sustainable safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). In this context, support was given to Ghana to lay a solid foundation in strengthening its capacities for safeguarding the country’s ICH.
UNESCO, therefore, organized a validation Workshop on Needs Assessment in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for Ghana in December 2018, after fieldwork to identify needs for the sustainable safeguarding of ICH. The fieldwork included one on one conversations, observations and focus group discussions in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Cape Coast.
The activity was organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and involved the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, National Commission for UNESCO, Folklore Board and Ghana Culture Forum.
The needs assessment report was presented together with a multi-year capacity building project proposal. Both were validated. The proposal could later be used to raise funds to support the culture sector in general and in particular the safeguarding of ICH in Ghana.
Key focus areas of concern are as follows:
- Policy and legislation
- Public awareness/education
- Community based inventorying
- Sustainable development
The Government committed to review the cultural policy created in 2004. This step would enable the integration and localization of the key international conventions within the sustainable development agenda.