Renowned Ghanaian-born music educator and cultural ambassador Professor Paschal Yao Younge, Professor of Music Education at Ohio University, paid an official courtesy visit to Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, this week to formally invite her to the Global Arts Fest 2026 scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Baker University Center Theatre in Athens, Ohio.

Professor Younge, a distinguished author, multi-talented musician, and specialist in African musical arts, was joined by members of his delegation including Professor Emerita Zelma Badu-Younge and Professor Vladimir L. Marchenķov as they discussed Ghana’s representation and cultural leadership at the upcoming international festival.

The event, which celebrates world music and dance traditions, brings together artists, educators, and cultural ambassadors from across the globe to share artistic perspectives and deepen intercultural understanding. 

As part of the visit, Professor Younge presented the minister with a copy of his acclaimed book, Music and Dance Traditions of Ghana: History, Performance, and Teaching, a comprehensive work featuring forewords by notable scholars including Daniel Avorgbedor, Komla Amoaku, and Francis Nii-Yartey. The volume highlights the rich musical heritage of Ghana’s diverse ethnic groups and offers insights into performance practices and teaching methodologies. 

Madam Gomashie has been confirmed as the Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker for the Global Arts Fest’s free public lecture on March 19, 2026, where she will address festival participants and share insights on cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, and creative education.

The Ketu South MP, a veteran creative arts advocate and current head of Ghana’s Ministry for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, brings decades of experience in promoting Ghanaian and African culture locally and internationally. She has played a leading role in championing cultural initiatives designed to reaffirm Ghana’s identity and global cultural presence. 

During the meeting, both leaders underscored the importance of cross-cultural artistic exchange and the role of festivals in strengthening global artistic collaboration. They expressed optimism that Ghana’s active participation in the Global Arts Fest 2026 will foster new opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners on the world stage.

More details about the festival schedule indicate a series of performances, workshops, and concerts taking place from March 17–19, culminating in the World Music and Dance Concert featuring global ensembles and a showcase of international artistic traditions.