Hon. Dzifa Gomashie celebrates Rastafari contributions, calls for Community Empowerment at National Conference

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. DzifaGomashie, has commended the dedication of Rastafari community leaders, artists, and activists during the recently concluded 10th National Rastafari Conference. In a speech delivered on her behalf at the event, she acknowledged their tireless efforts in upholding cultural values and advancing social justice. “Your dedication to uplifting our communities serves as an inspiration to us all,” she stated.

Hon. Gomashie urged attendees to embrace the principles of Rastafari, emphasizing its spirit of activism, justice, environmental stewardship, and compassion. She called on participants to let these teachings guide their actions beyond the festival’s celebrations. In the speech read on her behalf by Mr. Justice Opoen of the Culture Department of the Ministry, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie reaffirmed her support for initiatives that integrate cultural heritage with sustainable development Theparticipation of the Ministry at the conference underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting Ghana’s cultural diversity while fostering empowerment through education and creative arts.

The conference also featured thought-provoking addresses by prominent scholars and leaders. The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Imhotep Alagidede, speaking on the theme “Rastafari Education and Empowerment: Building Stronger Communities,” encouraged Rastafarians to reclaim their heritage and past glories. He shared a powerful allegory about eagles deceived by crows, urging attendees to rise above societal limitations and rediscover their identity. On his part, the C.E.O of the Natural Way Herbal Clinic who was the Guest of Honor, Dr. WiafeAkenteng challenged Rastafari to identify pressing societal needs and provide solutions that generate economic benefits. He emphasized that such initiatives would strengthen both the movement and its communities. The President of the Rastafari Council, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, called on the community to leverage the Black Star Experience announced by the government by hosting an annual Emancipation Day Festival on August 1, 2025 at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. He highlighted this as a platform to celebrate freedom, foster unity and generate revenue through the economic activities to be undertaken at the festival.

There were solidarity messages from various organizations including the Ghana Culture Forum (GCF), Pan Africa Ghana, NDC Rasta Caucus, Gh Reggae Network, Mpese Royal Family, the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Ethiopian World Federation (EWF). The Manager of the Rastafari Farming and Marketing Society (RFMS), Michael Klugah also spoke about the cooperative farming venture the council is engaging in under RFMS and called for like-minded ones to purchase shares in the venture.

The conference concluded with a vibrant family fun day at Akuma Village, Rising Phoenix, on Sunday. Participants enjoyed an atmosphere of unity through music, cultural displays, and shared reflections on building stronger communities. Prior to that, the Council had collaborated with Natural Way Herbal Clinic for a health screening exercise at the MUSIGA office in Accra.

(Source: Ahuma Bosco Ocansey)