BY Issah Olegor
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to allocate funding for the creative and cultural sectors in the next fiscal budget.
Speaking to the media on September 10, 2025, Mahama emphasized the significance of the sector to Ghana’s development, citing its potential to create jobs faster than traditional sectors.
Key Highlights of Mahama’s Plan
– Allocation for Creative Arts: Mahama revealed that the government will make allocations for creative arts, film, music, and other artistic endeavors in the next budget.
– Support for Kumawood and Film Makers: The former president specifically mentioned support for Kumawood and film makers, highlighting the need to promote Ghana’s cultural heritage.
– Job Creation: Mahama noted that creative industries create jobs faster than traditional sectors, emphasizing the importance of investing in this sector.
Challenges Facing Creative Industry
Despite its potential, Ghana’s creative industry faces several challenges, including:
– Lack of Vision: According to George Quaye, President of the Arts and Tourism Writers Association, the sector’s stagnation can be attributed to a lack of strategic vision among those responsible for its oversight.
– Inadequate Infrastructure: Quaye also pointed to inadequate infrastructure and poor communication as major barriers to the sector’s growth.
Tourism Sector Challenges
In a related issue, President Mahama highlighted the challenges facing Ghana’s tourism sector, including:
– Poor Customer Service: Mahama expressed disappointment with the majority of the nation’s tourist destinations for providing poor customer service, emphasizing the need for improvement.
– Lack of Professionalism: He noted that many tourism sites lack professionalism and quality service, which can deter tourists from visiting these destinations.
By addressing these challenges and providing support for the creative arts sector, Mahama’s plan aims to unlock the sector’s full potential and contribute to the economic growth.
