The Ashanti Global Festival Heritage, in collaboration with Phoenix Ent. LLC and iBelieve Records, has held a Media Summit as part of activities marking the Ashanti Festival 2026 at the Kumasi City Mall.
The summit brought together journalists, policymakers, cultural leaders and creative industry players to discuss evolving trends in media and communication, and their impact on culture and economic development.
Held under the theme, “Amplifying Ashanti: Media, Culture and Digital Influence in the New Creative Economy,” the forum highlighted the growing role of media in shaping narratives about Ashanti and Ghana, while promoting tourism, digital storytelling and opportunities within the creative sector.
The event opened with contributions from key stakeholders, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Kofi Adu Domfeh, and media personalities Nana Kokooto of OTEC FM and Nana Kwadow Jantuah of FOCUS FM.
Speaking at the summit, Mr Domfeh noted the increasing recognition of the media’s role in preserving culture and driving economic transformation. He commended organisers for creating a platform that fosters dialogue among stakeholders on the future of the media landscape.
“We are living in a rapidly evolving media space where storytelling has moved beyond traditional platforms,” he said, adding that the digital revolution has transformed how stories are told, cultures shared and economies shaped.
He emphasised that the media remains a powerful driver of tourism, cultural identity and economic opportunity, particularly in regions like Ashanti, which boast rich history and globally recognised heritage.
Mr Domfeh further stated that a thriving creative economy depends heavily on strong media support, describing it as a key catalyst for growth in sectors such as music, film, fashion and digital content.
He also stressed the need to uphold ethical standards in journalism and invest in fact-checking to ensure that technological advancements do not undermine credibility.
“When journalists tell authentic stories about our people, festivals and heritage, we contribute to national development,” he said.
The Regional Minister, Dr Amoakohene, noted that the Ashanti Festival serves as a platform to project the Asante story to the world and attract investment into the region.
The Media Summit forms part of a broader series of events under the Ashanti Festival, aimed at strengthening collaboration within the creative industry and positioning the region as a hub for cultural tourism and innovation.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
