On Friday, December 19, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) formally launched Highlife at 100, a celebration of Ghana’s rich musical legacy, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

The occasion commemorated the 100th anniversary of Highlife music, a genre that has influenced sounds around the world and shaped generations.

GTA CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto stated during Friday’s launch that the project is much more than a celebration.

“This evening, we launch Highlife at 100—a century of sound, soul, struggle, pride, elegance, resistance, joy, and identity.

“One hundred years ago, Highlife was born—not in luxury halls like this, but in lived experience. It emerged from our coastlines, our towns, our brass bands, our palm-wine gatherings, our dance floors, our dreams. Highlife became the soundtrack of a people finding their voice.

“And let me say this plainly. Highlife is not old. Highlife is eternal. It has shaped generations. It inspired Afrobeats before the world discovered Afrobeats. It travelled across borders before hashtags and algorithms.

“And it continues to influence the global soundscape—often without being credited and tonight, we correct that,” she said. 

She underlined that Highlife is more than just a genre; it’s a cultural product that has elevated Ghana’s profile internationally.

“Highlife at 100 is also a reminder that December in GH is no longer seasonal entertainment—it is serious cultural business. It is proof that Ghana is not just hosting events; Ghana is shaping global cultural narratives.

“As we move forward, the Ghana Tourism Authority will continue to invest in culture-led tourism—music, festivals, heritage, film, fashion—because that is where sustainable impact lies.

“Tonight, as we launch this historic milestone, I want us to celebrate Highlife not quietly but proudly.

Protect it by valuing our creatives and our stories and to carry it forward so that 100 years from now, another generation will gather and say: they preserved it well.,” she noted.

The project was commended by Madam Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, who stated that culture is a major factor in Ghana’s economy.

Earlier this month, Ghana’s iHighlife music was formally added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, demonstrating its lasting influence and cultural significance.

On Wednesday, November 10, UNESCO formally acknowledged Ghana’s Highlife music as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, praising it as a “monumental expression of Ghana’s musical genius, culture, and global influence.”

The nomination dossier was filed and guided through the official assessment procedure by Ghana’s National Folklore Board earlier in 2025.

This esteemed award celebrates the musicians, communities, organisations, and cultural carriers who have maintained and modernised Highlife across many generations.

Therefore, it is anticipated that the celebration will encourage the next generation of musicians and artists and increase Ghana’s cultural tourism.