The Black Star Experience Secretariat has announced a national choral contest as it seeks to increase understanding, participation and ownership of the initiative across Ghana.
The announcement followed stakeholder engagements held in the Western Region on September 30 and the Central Region on October 2 under the theme, “Enhancing National Understanding and Ownership of the Black Star Experience”.
Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District officials, traditional leaders, faith-based representatives and creative-sector practitioners attended the meetings.
Rex Owusu Marfo, Coordinator of the Black Star Experience, thanked stakeholders for their support and cooperation, describing them as essential partners in delivering the initiative.
He said the Secretariat had put measures in place to implement the various policies connected to the Experience. Those plans include the recently launched Black Star Comedy Experience, the forthcoming Black Star Fashion Week and Summit, and the new choral contest.
Mr Marfo said the programme formed part of President John Dramani Mahama’s national reset agenda and would help promote the cultures of Ghana’s different ethnic groups.
The Western Regional engagement attracted representatives of the National Commission on Culture, chiefs and queen mothers, pastors and other faith-based leaders, as well as community representatives.
Heads and representatives of choral groups from across the region also attended in significant numbers, signalling strong interest in the national choral music project.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson said the Black Star Experience gave Ghana a platform to present its own story nationally and internationally. He stressed that public understanding and ownership would be central to its success.
“The Black Star Experience offers Ghana an opportunity to tell its story, both to itself and to the world. But for that story to resonate, Ghanaians must first understand, value, and own it,” he said.
Mr Nelson said the Western Region could contribute through its traditional institutions, festivals, music, cuisine, coastline and creative talent. He added that these assets needed to be protected while opportunities were created for the communities that preserved them.
He also said the initiative could strengthen national unity, patriotism and a shared sense of belonging, urging government, MMDAs, traditional authorities, the private sector and the media to take ownership.
“When we recognise that the diverse histories and cultures of our regions are all chapters of one Ghanaian story, we strengthen our collective sense of belonging,” he added.
The Central Region meeting was attended by Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Mayor, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, National Commission on Culture representatives and Ghana Tourism Authority Regional Director Charles Buabin.
Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Regional Chairman Clarence Kenneth Ekow Pieterson was also present, alongside other representatives from the creative and cultural sectors.
The Black Star Choral Music Contest is a flagship project under the Music Pillar of the Black Star Experience. It will identify, develop and promote choral talent from every region while supporting cultural pride, national unity and creative excellence.
Regional contests will involve groups from schools, churches, tertiary institutions, communities and other organised bodies. Successful participants will progress to national finals in Accra.
The Secretariat said the competition would also support talent development, cultural preservation, creative industry growth and national engagement, while giving participants greater exposure and opportunities to improve their artistic skills and promote Ghanaian music and culture at national and international level.
