The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, has urged students of Galaxy International School to embrace diversity as a unifying force.
She made this call during the school’s 19th Annual Intercultural Festival, held on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
In her address, the minister underscored the festival’s deeper significance, stating, “Today’s theme, ‘Diversity in Harmony: The World as One,’ is not just a concept; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that while our languages may differ, our laughter is the same. While our customs may vary, our dreams for a better future unite us.”
She encouraged attendees to view diversity not as a source of division but as a strength, likening it to an orchestra where “every instrument is unique, but together they create a symphony.”
The minister directed specific messages to the students, educators, and parents present. To the students, she said, “You are the hope of tomorrow. The friendships you build across cultural lines will shape the world you inherit.”
She encouraged educators to foster environments of respect and empathy, noting, “Every lesson you teach carries the potential to inspire acceptance.”
To parents, she emphasized their role as the first teachers of tolerance, saying, “In your homes, the seeds of tolerance and respect are first planted. Teach your children that diversity is not something to fear—it is something to celebrate.”
Echoing these sentiments, Mehmet Akmermer, Managing Director of Galaxy International School, highlighted the festival’s enduring legacy.
“I am proud to inform you that this yearly festival, which has become a tradition, has been celebrated for almost two decades now. This tells you that diversity is truly important to us as a family,” he stated.
He painted a vivid picture of the value of diversity, asking, “Imagine a world where only one color painted the skies, where only one type of flower bloomed, or where only one song was ever sung. Wouldn’t that world feel empty? It is the variety of colors, the richness of sounds, and the diversity of thought that make life vibrant and meaningful.”
The managing director also challenged the students to embrace their role as future leaders in a globalized world. “Be curious about the world. Learn a new language. Try a dish from another culture. Ask questions. Seek understanding. Most importantly, let kindness and respect guide you in every interaction,” he advised.
Turning to parents and teachers, he added, “The lessons of acceptance, respect, and inclusion start at home and in the classroom. Encourage your children to explore beyond their familiar circles.”
The festival comes at a time when global connectivity is at an all-time high, yet division and misunderstanding persist—a subject both speakers acknowledged. “History has too often shown us the consequences of division, where differences have been used as reasons for conflict and misunderstanding. But today, standing here among you, I see a different future—one where our diversity does not divide us but instead binds us together in respect and appreciation,” Mr. Akmermer reflected.
The event concluded with a call to action, as the minister urged attendees to build a future where children grow up in a world not divided by race, religion, or nationality, but united by a common humanity.
The 19th Annual Intercultural Festival at Galaxy International School brought together students, educators, parents, and dignitaries, including popular Ghanaian hiplife musician Okyeame Kwame and the Member of Parliament for Adenta Constituency, Mohammed Abu Ramadan.
Speaking to the media at the event, the MP acknowledged the festival’s significance in promoting culture and diversity among schoolchildren. “It is a very good thing in bringing us all together; it is very impactful,” he stressed.
The event, a nearly two-decade-long tradition, showcased Ghana’s commitment to embracing cultural diversity as a unifying force. The festival featured vibrant displays of music, dance, food, and traditions from various cultures around the world.
