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Accra, Oct. 4, 24HourNews – The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, yesterday received the Italian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Laura Ranalli, at the Ministry.
The meeting, which coincided with Fugu Wednesday, saw both leaders appear in smocks in celebration of Ghanaian culture.
According to the Minister, the Ambassador expressed her excitement about experiencing Ghana’s rich culture, fashion and cuisine. She noted that H.E. Ranalli deliberately chose to wear fugu to show her support for Ghana’s creative sector.
Hon. Gomashie said their discussions revealed a shared passion for Cultural Diplomacy and the need to use culture as a tool to deepen bilateral relations between Ghana and Italy.
The Minister also used the occasion to caution against environmental degradation, stressing that failure to protect the natural environment threatens the survival of present and future generations.
“If we stop preserving nature, we die. As we provide for the needs of the young today, do we think about their tomorrow? There is the need for deliberate action to safeguard the environment for future generations. Remaining silent in the face of environmental destruction amounts to silent participation in the damage of our land,” she stated.
She called for collective responsibility in preserving Ghana’s natural and cultural heritage.
The engagement further explored opportunities for collaboration with LUMSA University in Rome, a private Vatican-affiliated institution that runs programmes in theology, political science and other disciplines. The university has expressed interest in undertaking additional projects in Ghana.
It was disclosed that in April, two directors of the National Commission on Culture participated in a month-long cultural heritage training programme in Italy as part of ongoing cooperation.
The Ambassador also highlighted an existing partnership between the southern Italian region of Basilicata and Ghanaian NGO Art Life Matters, led by Mr. Eric Ajale, which focuses on preserving intangible cultural heritage through artistic expression, community participation and documentation.