The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on August 24, 2024, launched its manifesto for the December 7 elections – a week after the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) launched theirs.

The two main contenders focused on governmental support through financing and policies in an effort to boost the sector.

The NDC, as part of its 'Resetting Ghana' agenda will focus on making significant changes to all sectors which are currently struggling.

The NPP will focus on continuing with its successful Year of Return initiative as well as adding more avenues to boost the sector.

Here's a comparison of their approaches and an analysis of which might have a better chance of success.

NDC's Plans:

Financing and investment

The NDC's plan focuses on reforming, financing, and attracting investments in creative arts, and tourism.

These include support for content creators and support for large, medium and small creative enterprises.

Policies to promote Ghanaian creative content

The NDC hopes to promote Ghanaian creativity through the implementation of ‘The Black Star Experience’ a year-round celebration of Ghanaian culture through the celebration of food, film, design, literature, fashion, etc.

The NDC also plans to enforce the broadcasting of local content to promote local productions and boost the industry.

Infrastructure

The NDC promised some infrastructural projects including the construction of an ultra-modern recreation village with auditoriums for films, music events, etc.

Royalty collection

The NDC promised to establish a management system to aid in the collection of copyright claims and royalties for creatives.


The NPP

Finance and investments

Similar to the NDC, the NPP commits to significant public sector investment, but their emphasis is more on using the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) to support the sector.

Funding would also be provided to the Cultural Heritage Fund for the Chieftaincy institution and activities to promote societal values, cultural festivals etc.


Tax incentives

The NPP planned to use tax incentives to stimulate private sector investments and attract more private players into the creative arts sector.

Infrastructure

Infrastructural projects such as the completion of the conference facility at the Ghana International Trade Fair site and the establishment of a National Hospitality Training School school were promised.

Additionally, a Gold Museum or a Gold Walkway, to promote “gold tourism” was announced.

Education

The establishment of regional Creative Hubs to nurture local talent, the establishment of a National Hospitality Training School and the training and upskilling in the Creative, Tourism and Cultural industries were plans announced as well.

Travel boost

In an effort to boost the sector, the NPP announced the implementation of a Travel Protocol Service (TPS) to support artistes, performers, and other creatives easily secure visas.

Additionally, the E-visa policy to make it faster and easier for foreign nationals to visit Ghana was announced.

Royalty and copyright collection

Similar to the NDC, the NPP announced measures to help with the tracking, collection, and distribution of royalties as well as copyright payments.

Streaming

As noted in its 202 manifesto, the NPP also announced the establishment of a streaming and digital management platform for Ghanaian content creators.


Comparative analysis:

Both parties have a broad vision, but the NDC's "Black Star Experience" focuses more on cultural celebrations and events, while the NPP focuses on infrastructure, financing, and policy changes.

Public vs. Private Sector Focus: The NDC leans more towards public sector-driven initiatives, while the NPP focuses on stimulating private sector involvement.

Job Creation and Skills Development: Both manifestos emphasize job creation and skills development, but the NPP's plan includes more specific initiatives, like the National Hospitality Training School and creative hubs, which might lead to more tangible outcomes.

Which plan might have a better chance?

NPP:

The NPP’s plan might have a slight advantage due to its practical focus on international engagement and private sector involvement.

Policies such as the TPS, the e-visa, training for creatives and partnerships with private investments could help facilitate more visitors to the country, hence bringing in much-needed revenue and support.

NDC:

However, the NDC’s broader strategy could have long-term benefits by building a strong foundation for the creative arts sector through public investment and cultural heritage promotion.

The year-long ‘Black Star Experience’ initiative seems to be detailed in how it promotes the individual aspects of the creative arts sector and how they can be beneficial to the country.

Conclusion

Both the NDC and NPP manifestos for the creative arts sector in Ghana have ambitious plans, but they approach the sector from slightly different angles.

Ultimately, the success of either plan will depend on implementation, the responsiveness of the creative arts sector to these initiatives, and the ability to adapt to changing economic and global conditions.

ID/BB/MA

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