Media personality and creative industry advocate Ramatu Gumah has been appointed Head of Diaspora Affairs and Brand Ambassador for the Nollywood Africa in Diaspora/Ghana Food and Film Festival, Accra, placing her at the forefront of an initiative aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Africa and its global diaspora.
According to her official appointment letter, the appointment took effect on May 1, 2026, and is expected to run until May 1, 2028, with the possibility of renewal after the initial term.
Her new role extends beyond administration, positioning her as one of the principal figures responsible for driving the festival’s vision and expanding its reach across the continent and beyond.
As head, Gumah will oversee the planning and execution of festival activities in Ghana while coordinating programmes across Africa.
She will also be tasked with building strategic partnerships, engaging stakeholders, and serving as the official representative of the Nollywood African Network in promoting the organisation’s objectives.
The appointment comes as preparations are underway for the 2027 Nollywood-Africa in Diaspora Film and Food Festival and Awards, an event designed to showcase the richness of African storytelling alongside the continent’s diverse culinary heritage.
Unlike conventional film festivals, the organisers envision a platform that merges cinema, music, fashion, food and culture into one immersive experience. Their objective is to create meaningful connections between Africans on the continent and those living abroad while opening new opportunities for filmmakers, entrepreneurs, artists and cultural practitioners.
The festival’s concept document describes the initiative as a bridge between Africa and its diaspora, providing a stage where African creativity can be celebrated internationally. It also seeks to encourage collaboration, preserve cultural identity and promote business and networking opportunities through the creative arts.
With Ramatu Gumah now leading the Ghana diaspora chapter, organisers believe her experience in media, communications and stakeholder engagement will be instrumental in translating that vision into reality.
Her responsibilities are expected to include fostering partnerships capable of attracting international participation while strengthening the festival’s presence within Ghana’s creative ecosystem.
The appointment also reflects the growing importance of cultural diplomacy within Africa’s entertainment industry, where film, music and food are increasingly being used to promote tourism, investment and cross-border collaboration.
As planning continues for the 2027 edition, attention will now turn to how the new leadership team executes its strategy and positions the Nollywood-Africa in Diaspora Film and Food Festival and Awards as a premier international celebration of African culture.
If successful, the festival could become more than an annual event, it could evolve into a platform that connects African creatives with global audiences while celebrating the stories, traditions and innovation that define the continent.
