In the course of a meeting with stakeholders in the creative arts sector on June 7, 2024, Mr. John Dramani Mahama detailed a range of policies aimed at reviving the industry if he wins the upcoming 2024 election.
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer highlighted the immense potential of the creative industry to generate employment for Ghanaians.
Acknowledging the untapped talents of many young individuals, he stressed the importance of creating opportunities for them to showcase their abilities and make significant contributions to the sector.
In anticipation of their manifesto launch, Mr. Mahama provided a preview of the strategies his administration plans to implement to elevate the creative arts sector.
Let’s take a look at them below:
Budgetary allocation for the creative arts.
Declaration of the Golden Age of Culture, Arts, and Tourism, with a focus on job creation and entrepreneurship.
Renovation of Centers of Arts and Culture across various regions.
Streamlining of copyright modalities and IP Laws.
Organization of film festivals and exhibitions to promote Ghanaian arts and culture.
Support for drama and theater arts, including backing for playwrights.
Participation in international trade fairs to showcase Ghanaian culture and arts.
Establishment of a film village and provision of equipment for filmmakers.
Rehabilitation of the National Theatre in Accra and construction of a second National Theatre in Kumasi.
Acquisition of a special event channel for creative arts programs on digital terrestrial television (DTT).
Provision of special rates for performances at government-owned venues.
Promotion of music and arts education in school curricula.
Introduction of tax breaks for creative artists with Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).
Establishment of a fund to support aging artistes.
Revival of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC).
Development of tourist sites in collaboration with the private sector.
Revitalization of the Marine Drive Project.
Creation of amusement parks.
A review of the tourism fund to benefit stakeholders across the tourism value chain. The construction of a new city in the Volta Region to boost arts activities and tourism.
Annual stakeholder dialogues with individuals in the creative arts sector.
These proposed initiatives demonstrate Mr. Mahama’s dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the creative arts industry, paving the way for a vibrant and prosperous cultural landscape in Ghana.