During his engagement with stakeholders in the creative arts sector on June 7, 2024, Mr. John Dramani Mahama outlined a series of policies aimed at revitalising the industry should he secure victory in the upcoming 2024 election.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress underscored the vast potential of the creative industry in generating employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
Recognizing the untapped talents of many young individuals, he emphasised the need to create avenues for them to showcase their skills and contribute meaningfully to the sector.
Ahead of the launch of their manifesto, Mr. Mahama shared a glimpse 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.
Review of the tourism fund to benefit stakeholders in the tourism value chain.
Construction of a new city in the Volta Region to stimulate arts activities and tourism.
Annual stakeholder dialogues with individuals in the creative arts sector.
These proposed initiatives reflect Mr. Mahama's commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the creative arts industry, paving the way for a vibrant and prosperous cultural landscape in Ghana.
EB