Ghana and Serbia strengthen cultural ties through new MoU

Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie in a photo with the Serbian Foreign Minister

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, received the Serbian Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Marko Duric, during a courtesy call aimed at deepening cultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Serbia.

The engagement, held at the Ministry’s conference room in Accra, culminated in the symbolic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize collaboration in cultural exchange, creative industry development, and tourism investment.

“This MoU is a legal and diplomatic step forward in building bridges between our two cultures,” Hon. Gomashie stated. “It creates room for mutual learning between our creative sectors and serves as an invitation for industry players to connect and grow together.”

She noted that the agreement lays the groundwork for deeper technical and professional exchanges, including Serbia sharing its expertise in arts, crafts, and creative education, while Ghana presents its unique cultural offerings to Serbian audiences.

The Minister further highlighted Ghana’s upcoming AfroGhastro Festival, a celebration of African and diaspora culinary heritage. She extended an invitation to Serbia to participate and explore the power of food as a tool for cultural storytelling and global connection.

Hon. Gomashie also announced Ghana’s commitment to participate in the 2027 World Expo in Serbia, a global exhibition expected to host over 130 countries. “This is a strategic opportunity to showcase Ghanaian culture, sports, and innovation on the world stage,” she said.

In a gesture of goodwill, the Minister presented her Serbian counterpart with Adinkra-themed gifts symbolizing Ghana’s identity and philosophy. “He leaves with a piece of Ghana; our stories, our symbols, and our spirit,” she added.

H.E. Mr. Marko Duric expressed appreciation for the warm Ghanaian hospitality, describing it as a sign of the “brotherly bond” that has existed between the two nations since the era of President Kwame Nkrumah.

“Our shared history, particularly during the anti-colonial era has always guided our political and diplomatic ties,” he remarked. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to elevating that friendship into meaningful economic, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation.”

The Serbian Minister also noted Ghana’s development vision, which he said aligns with Serbia’s own transformational journey. “In less than a decade, we doubled the size of our economy. We believe Ghana can do the same and we are ready to support this transformation,” he said.

He extended an open invitation to Dzifa Gomashie to visit Serbia and pledged support for increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two nations. “Let us continue this unique friendship built on shared values, culture, and a vision for the future,” he concluded.

The Serbian delegation led by the sector minister visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, paying homage to Ghana’s founding father Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.