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By Hafsa Obeng GNA

Accra, December 17, GNA — Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister responsible for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, has inaugurated two photography displays at the Dikan Center in Accra.

The displays, coordinated by the Dikan Centre together with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), took place under the theme: “Preserving Ghana: The living archives of a nation.”

Madam Gomashie noted that the exhibitions highlighted the significance of preservation, record-keeping, and artistic documentation in protecting Ghana’s national identity.

She stated, “This is more than just photography; it is love made visible,” referring to the exhibitions as evidence of Ghana’s real-life experiences, memories, and cultural strength.

Madam Gomashie praised President John Dramani Mahama for understanding that culture goes beyond “drumming and dancing,” and for recognizing heritage and creativity as essential factors in national progress.

She mentioned that culture, when maintained and encouraged, has the ability to influence national awareness, spark creativity, and enhance community unity.

The official honored the late Emmanuel Bobie, whose photo series, Ghana: The Journey Within, is a key component of the display.

She mentioned that his work embodies the dignity, strength, and daily experiences of Ghanaians, capturing moments that convey the country’s narrative.

Madam Gomashie praised the Dikan Centre for turning archives into “living classrooms” via digitization, research, and public availability.

She referred to its partnership with the GAF as an instance of “living culture,” where history was dynamically taught and interacted with.

The minister emphasized the importance of re-establishing a connection between Ghana’s young people and their roots, pointing out that communities are incomplete when cultural treasures and historical documents are held outside the continent.

She mentioned that having access to heritage is crucial for shaping one’s identity and fostering national pride.

Mr. Kofi Kwakwa, head of the Dikan Centre, stated that communities that lose touch with their shared history face the danger of jeopardizing their tomorrow.

He mentioned that archives serve as crucial instruments for comprehending the current situation and influencing what lies ahead.

Mr. Paul Ninson, the Executive Director of Dikan, described the Centre’s activities via the AWO Institute, mentioning that millions of records have been digitized, including comprehensive Ghana Armed Forces archives and significant collections highlighting Ghana’s music heritage.

Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, the Acting Director-General of the Department of Public Relations at GAF, stated that the partnership with Dikan has yielded impressive outcomes within just over a year.

She mentioned that over 70 million military personnel records had been handled, preserved, and converted into digital format, calling the accomplishment historic and groundbreaking.

Captain Arhin stated that the preservation initiative boosted openness, reinforced organizational memory, and increased the public’s comprehension of the Armed Forces’ contribution to Ghana’s growth.

She mentioned that 25 members of the Armed Forces had received training from Dikan and were now collaborating with its experts, developing specialized skills that could assist other state organizations.

Officials subsequently visited the exhibits and archive areas.

GNA

Edited by Kenneth Sackey