Media Statement: For immediate release 28 August 2025
The National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA) and the Ghana Office of the President, Black Star Experience Secretariat (BSE) are proud to announce the signing of a ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening cultural ties and fostering collaboration within the creative industries of South Africa and Ghana.
The MOU embodies the historic and robust relationship between the peoples of South Africa and Ghana, underscoring the mutual dedication to cultural diplomacy demonstrated by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa and His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.
The signing ceremony, held at the NAC offices in Johannesburg, was officiated by NAC Acting CEO Ms. Julie Diphofa and Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo, Chief Executive Officer, Office of the President, Ghana Black Star Experience Secretariat (BSE).
The MoU sets the stage for long-term cooperation across a range of focus areas, including:
- Cultural and creative exchange programmes
- Heritage preservation
- Arts education partnerships and residencies
- Institutional exchanges, internships, and training
- Research and development
Some of the identified areas of collaboration will be to support market access for South African artists to participate in Ghanaian cultural and creative events such as ‘Creatives Connect Afrika’, ‘Afro Future’ , ‘Tidal Rave Ghana’, ‘Beyond The Return’ and ‘Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA)’, which boast large audiences from not only West Africa but from across the continent and the African diaspora. This exciting cultural agreement will focus on providing South African artists with access to West Africa’s substantial market of 460 million people, representing a significant opportunity for cultural exchange and economic growth.
Speaking at the event, NAC Acting CEO Ms. Julie Diphofa described the agreement as a historic milestone: “This partnership represents a significant moment, as two African giants join hands to foster mutual understanding and advance the arts and culture sectors in both nations.
Echoing these sentiments, BSE CEO Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo stressed the value of continental partnerships: “I am confident that this agreement will open new doors of cooperation between Ghanaian and South African creatives. Collaborations are key to the growth of the arts and culture sectors in Africa.”.
Senior Ghanaian officials accompanying Mr. Marfo to the signing ceremony include Mr. Kofi Okyere Darko – Director: Office of the President, Diaspora Affairs; Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO , Ghana Tourism Authority; Ms. Annabelle Mckenzie, Director International Affairs; Mr Wiliam Ahadzi, the Upper East regional director of GTA Ghana, and Mr. Matthew Mensah, Chief Liaison Officer, Black Star Experience Secretariat.
This landmark agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening African cultural diplomacy, expanding opportunities for creatives, and building lasting partnerships that celebrate the continent’s rich heritage.
Ends.
Issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa
Media : media@nac.org.za
About The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC)
The National Arts Council is an Agency of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. It was established in April 1997 through an act of Parliament (Act No. 56 of 1997). It is the largest Arts & Culture funding agency in South Africa, responsible for serving most of the arts disciplines namely, Dance, Music, Theatre, Craft, Literature, Visual Arts and Multidiscipline.
About The Black Star Experience Secretariat (BSE)
The Black Star Experience Secretariat stands as Ghana’s premier governmental body dedicated to advancing culture, arts, tourism, and creative industries. Established as a flagship initiative under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, the BSE operates directly within the Office of the President, reflecting the nation’s commitment to cultural excellence and international engagement.
The Secretariat’s core mission centres on fostering meaningful connections between Ghana’s vibrant local communities and global audiences, positioning the country as a premier destination for cultural exchange and creative collaboration.
