Ghanaian political commentator and musician, Kwame A-Plus has criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for promising to introduce a digital platform for Ghanaian artists if he becomes president.
According to him, Dr Bawumia’s promise would be a failure and should not even be attempted.
This comes following the vice president’s public address at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
In his address, the NPP flagbearer unveiled his plans to boost the creative arts sector if he becomes president, which includes introducing digital and streaming platforms, providing tax incentives, and implementing an e-visa policy for international visitors.
However, Kwame A-Plus stated that Bawumia’s promise was unrealistic and impractical, as it would not compete with the existing global platforms.
“He should forget about the digital platform; it will not work. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have been in the system for a very long time. So if you just want to create something that is Ghanaian and put Ghanaian music on board, who are you going to sell to?” he quizzed.
He noted that the artists must be on big platforms with millions of subscribers and listeners worldwide to promote Ghanaian music.
“Millions will not leave Spotify and Apple Music to join this newly created platform. Even if all 30 million Ghanaians sign up, how much will it generate to satisfy all those on board? You must be on the big platforms to push our music out there. Instead of starting ours, let’s join those that are already doing it,” he said.
“So Bawumia’s promise to implement a digital platform will not suffice. It’s just a waste of time,” he further added.
Voicing Disbelief Regarding Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s Recent Address
Popular Kumasi-based actor, Oboy Siki voiced his disbelief regarding Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent address outlining his vision for Ghana.
The comic actor urged Ghanaians not to take Bawumia’s promises and initiatives seriously, asserting that the Vice President cannot be trusted.
According to Oboy Siki, Bawumia’s commitment to eliminating certain taxes introduced by the Akufo-Addo-led government, of which he is a part, amounts to a betrayal of “his father” (President Akufo-Addo).
“Bawumia is a liar. He can lie. Bawumia cannot be trusted, they have failed to live up to their promise of reducing taxes,” Oboy Siki stated.
The actor conveyed this sentiment, cautioning the public to view Bawumia’s declarations with doubt.
Despite the Vice President outlining several initiatives he plans to undertake if elected as President in the upcoming December 7, 2024, general elections, Oboy Siki remains unconvinced, casting doubt on the credibility of Bawumia’s promises for the nation’s future.
Radio personality Ola Michael also described Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s vision to create a streaming platform for creatives in Ghana as a deceptive vision.
Ola Michael stated that the current government promised something similar both in 2016 and 2020—something that never saw the light of day, so there is no way the Vice President if he becomes president, will create any streaming platform for creatives to earn from their works.
Ola Michael is of the view that there is a clear indication from the failure on the part of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that no government can create a streaming platform.
“No government can create a streaming platform. If the government tries to work on a streaming platform, it will fail. There are Ghanaians who own streaming platforms that are working fine. We are struggling with data costs in Ghana. If I’m streaming Amazon, Apple Music, and others at a higher cost, I’m not sure I will want to go to other platforms. For me I think that there are localized platforms that should be rather supported rather than creating an entirely new one,” he said.
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