In a significant move to bolster the creative arts industry in Ghana, Presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has met with a group of talented individuals from the creative sector in Accra.
This gathering was marked by insightful discussions on the immense potential the creative arts hold for generating employment opportunities for the youth of Ghana.
John Dramani Mahama emphasized the importance of placing the creative industry on a solid foundation to unlock numerous opportunities for the nation’s youth. This statement underscores the NDC’s commitment to renewing support for the creative arts, should they be given the mandate to govern once again.
Mahama’s vision for the creative sector includes fostering an environment where creativity can thrive, and artists can achieve their full potential. He stressed the need for strategic policies and investments to elevate the industry and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
“As part of our plans for the creative arts industry, we intend to set up a paid television channel specifically for creative arts events. We want to provide a platform for our talented artists to showcase their work and reach a wider audience.”
John Dramani Mahama, Presidential candidate for the NDC
This channel will serve as a platform for showcasing a wide array of creative works and live events, thereby increasing the visibility of Ghanaian artists and their creations. By integrating this channel into the digital terrestrial television network, the NDC aims to diversify revenue streams for creatives beyond traditional ticket sales, making it easier for artists to monetize their work through television viewership.
In addition to the television channel, Mahama outlined over 20 policy ideas aimed at supporting the arts and tourism sectors, “including renovating Centres of Arts and Culture, showcasing Ghanaian films at film festivals.”
The NDC plans to leverage the rich cultural heritage of Ghana to boost the tourism sector, which in turn supports the creative arts. By renovating Centers of Arts and Culture and promoting Ghanaian films at international film festivals, the party aims to create a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates and showcases Ghanaian creativity. This approach not only enhances the appeal of Ghana as a tourist destination but also provides opportunities for artists to gain exposure and income.
To further support the financial viability of careers in the creative arts, Mahama proposed offering tax breaks to creative artists who possess Tax Identification Numbers (TIN). This measure is intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by artists, encouraging more young people to pursue careers in the creative sector.
Commitment to ‘Building the Ghana We Want‘
Mahama expressed his confidence in the transformative power of the right policies, investments, and support for the creative arts industry.
“I am confident that with the right policies, investment, and support, we can elevate the creative arts industry and empower our youth to pursue their passions while contributing to the growth of our economy.”
John Dramani Mahama, Presidential candidate for the NDC
John Mahama also highlighted the collaborative effort required to achieve this vision. Alongside his running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Mahama is dedicated to building a Ghana that nurtures and celebrates its creative talents.
Mahama’s engagement with the creative talents in Accra serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in making this vision a reality. The NDC’s comprehensive plans for the creative arts sector demonstrate their commitment to creating a supportive and dynamic environment for artists, which in turn, can lead to significant economic and social benefits for the country.
As Ghana continues to evolve, the creative arts industry stands as a beacon of potential, ready to drive innovation, job creation, and cultural pride. With leaders like John Dramani Mahama championing their cause, the future looks promising for Ghanaian creatives.
John Dramani Mahama’s recent interaction with the creative talents in Accra highlighted the NDC’s strategic vision for the creative arts industry. Their plans include establishing a dedicated television channel, implementing supportive policies, and investing in infrastructure to elevate the sector. This commitment aims to unlock vast opportunities for the youth, fostering a vibrant and dynamic creative ecosystem in Ghana.
