PRESS STATEMENT
New Inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List:
Highlife Music and Dance – Ghana
The Ghana Culture Forum (GCF) warmly congratulates the people and Government of Ghana on the inscription of Highlife music and dance on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This historic recognition affirms the enduring cultural, social, and artistic value of Highlife as one of Ghana’s most influential musical traditions. Emerging from indigenous rhythms and melodies and evolving through generations, Highlife has served as a powerful medium for storytelling, social commentary, celebration, and cultural identity, both in Ghana and across Africa and the diaspora.
The inscription highlights the creativity of Ghanaian musicians, dancers, composers, cultural bearers, and communities who have preserved and transmitted Highlife through performance, apprenticeship, and innovation. It also underscores Ghana’s continued commitment to safeguarding its living heritage in line with UNESCO’s 2003 Convention.
GCF expresses profound pride in having convened the Kickoff Conference on the Safeguarding Highlife as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in collaboration with the National Folklore Board. We also commend the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Honorable Mamaga Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and the ministry, the Highlife Community, musicians’ unions, and all stakeholders whose dedication and collaboration made this achievement possible, not forgetting Mr Abdourahmane Diallo, former UNESCOhead, for his support and guidance
As we celebrate this milestone, we call for sustained investment in documentation, education, intergenerational transmission, and platforms that support Highlife practitioners, ensuring that this treasured heritage continues to thrive for future generations.
Once again, congratulations to Ghana on this proud moment of global recognition.
Edwina Assan
The General Secretary
