The third edition of the Ghana Chieftaincy Awards (GCA) and Royal Investment Summit has been officially launched in a colourful ceremony jointly organised by the Obokese Foundation and the Black Star Experience Secretariat.
Held in Accra, the event attracted a host of dignitaries including newly sworn-in Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah; President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons; CEO of COA Research & Manufacturing Company Limited, Samuel Ato Duncan; President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu Viii; several traditional rulers, musicians and cultural stakeholders.
The GCA, an initiative aimed at honouring traditional leaders and institutions preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, has evolved into a significant national event that also champions investment in chieftaincy-led development projects. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Honouring Traditional Leadership and Promoting Royal Investment for National Development.”
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister Sowah underscored the relevance of chieftaincy in nation-building and called for continued support to ensure the success of such initiatives.
“The Ghana Chieftaincy Awards represents more than a ceremony. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to preserving the dignity of our traditional institutions while building bridges between culture and modern governance,” she said.
The event is being spearheaded by the Black Star Experience Secretariat, under the leadership of veteran musician and Presidential Staffer Rex Omar. He noted that the government sees culture and heritage as strategic assets that must be preserved and celebrated.
“The government is committed to strengthening partnerships that elevate our cultural heritage. Through the Black Star Experience, we aim to create platforms like the GCA that reflect the pride and depth of our identity as a people,” Rex Omar stated.
The Founder of the Obokese Foundation, Nana Obokese Ampah I, expressed excitement about the growing support for the awards, emphasising its potential to reshape national development from the grassroots.
“This is a call to action for all Ghanaians and stakeholders—both public and private—to rally behind the chieftaincy institution. Let us give our chiefs the recognition they deserve and support their role in development,” Nana Ampah I said.
According to the organisers, the awards will feature special recognition categories, including the Royal Investment Summit, which seeks to bridge traditional leadership with business and innovation. The event also promises cultural exhibitions, performances, and high-level discussions aimed at harnessing traditional structures for development.
The Black Star Experience Secretariat, a government initiative aimed at promoting cultural tourism and heritage appreciation, has found synergy with the Obokese Foundation’s mission of elevating traditional authority through innovation and recognition.
This year’s awards will culminate in a grand event expected to draw participation from the diaspora.
The Ghana Chieftaincy Awards and Royal Investment Summit is scheduled to take place in 2025, with activities leading up to the main event already underway.
