Lawyer and cultural advocate, Naomi Borley Alabi, has been appointed Curator of the Oobakɛ Experience for the 2026 Second Homowo Festival and Business Summit in Newark, New Jersey, United States.
The appointment, made by the Gbese Traditional Council and the organisers of the festival, is in recognition of Alabi’s work in promoting, preserving and advancing Ga culture, heritage and traditional practices, particularly among young people and Generation Z.
The festival is scheduled to take place from October 16 to 18, 2026.
According to the appointment letter signed by HRH Nii Armah Okpah II, Acting Gbese Mantse and Adonten of the Ga State, the Traditional Council took particular note of Alabi’s recent conceptualisation and organisation of the Oobakɛ Experience, which presented Ga culture in a contemporary and youth-oriented format while maintaining its traditional foundations.
As Curator, Alabi will provide the creative and curatorial direction for the Oobakɛ Experience at the Newark festival.
She is expected to work with the Acting Gbese Mantse, the Gbese Traditional Council, the Festival Organising Committee and relevant partners in Ghana and the United States to develop a programme showcasing Ga culture, traditions, history, arts, music, food, fashion and identity.
The experience is also expected to create an immersive cultural programme for participants, with a deliberate focus on engaging Ghanaians and the wider African diaspora, particularly younger audiences.
The appointment letter further tasks Alabi with integrating traditional Ga cultural expressions with contemporary creative presentations while projecting the dignity, values and heritage of the Ga people on the international stage.
Alabi has been authorised to liaise with the Festival Organising Committee and relevant cultural, creative, technical and production partners in developing the detailed concept and programme, subject to the overall guidance and approval of the Gbese Traditional Council.
The Traditional Council said her physical presence in Newark will be required throughout the festival, together with the necessary preparatory and travel period.
The appointment is voluntary and non-remunerated and is made in Alabi’s personal capacity. The letter clarified that it is independent of her official duties at the Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited and does not involve the use of the company’s funds, personnel, assets or other institutional resources.
The Council expressed confidence that Alabi’s creativity, cultural insight and commitment to Ga heritage would contribute to making the Oobakɛ Experience a distinctive feature of the 2026 Homowo Festival.
The Second Homowo Festival and Business Summit is expected to bring Ga cultural heritage and traditions to an international audience while creating opportunities for cultural engagement and connection with the Ghanaian and African diaspora.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
