Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA), has urged West African countries to strengthen collaboration in the cultural sector to foster unity, regional integration, and socio-economic growth.

She made the appeal while delivering the closing address at the ECOWAS–ECOSOC Validation Workshop of Experts and Ministers responsible for Culture, Finance, and Social Welfare, held in Accra, Ghana's capital.

Highlighting culture as a powerful driver of regional identity and development, the minister encouraged member states to sustain initiatives such as ECOFEST, which promote cultural exchange, tourism, and create opportunities for creatives across West Africa.

The workshop brought together representatives from ECOWAS, the African Union, UNOWAS, the ECOWAS Parliament, and officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Ministry of Finance, providing a platform for discussions on policy, funding, and cross-border cultural initiatives.