On the evening of October 16, 2024, the Vice President of Ghana and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, hosted a crucial engagement with key members of Ghana’s creative arts industry and tourism at the Alisa Hotel in Ridge, Accra.

This event drew a wide array of professionals including musicians, fashion designers, event organisers, models, hairdressers, the media and other practitioners in the creative arts sector. The meeting was part of the Vice President's initiative to collaborate with stakeholders and position the creative arts industry as a major driver of economic growth.

The central focus of this gathering was to listen to the concerns, challenges, and expectations of the creative industry professionals, while also outlining the NPP’s plans to develop the sector into a more lucrative and sustainable industry.

Key points raised by the Vice-President

In his address, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of the creative arts sector in the overall development of Ghana’s economy, stating that it holds the potential to create jobs, enhance tourism, and promote Ghanaian culture on a global stage. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by industry practitioners, particularly issues relating to infrastructure, funding, access to international markets, and intellectual property rights.

To tackle these challenges, the Vice President shared some key policies his government plans to implement if elected in 2024:

(1) Creative Arts Development Fund: The Vice President announced the establishment of a dedicated fund aimed at supporting practitioners in the creative industry. This fund will offer financial assistance to emerging talents, support the development of new projects, and provide grants for creative initiatives that promote Ghanaian culture and heritage.

(2) Creative Arts Technology Hub: Recognizing the digital era’s impact on arts and entertainment, Dr. Bawumia proposed the creation of a technology hub specifically designed for the creative sector. This hub would be a center for innovation, offering training in digital tools, content creation, and marketing strategies to help industry players leverage technology for global reach.

(3) Infrastructure Development: Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the lack of adequate infrastructure for creative arts in the country. He promised to establish more performance venues, recording studios, and revamp arts centres across Ghana, ensuring that both urban and rural areas have the necessary facilities to foster creativity and cultural expression.

(4) Tax Incentives for the Creative Arts: In a bid to ease the financial burden on creative arts professionals, Dr. Bawumia proposed introducing tax incentives for registered businesses within the creative sector. This would include tax breaks for companies that invest in local talent, as well as exemptions for artists on certain production-related expenses.

(5) Creative Arts Curriculum in Schools: Recognising the need to nurture creative talent from a young age, the Vice President promised to introduce a more structured creative arts curriculum in schools. This initiative would provide young Ghanaians with the opportunity to explore their artistic talents and gain exposure to various fields within the creative arts.

(6) Intellectual Property Rights Protection: Dr. Bawumia addressed the concerns regarding intellectual property rights, pledging to enhance the legal framework to ensure that Ghanaian artists and creators are adequately protected. He emphasized the need for a robust system that safeguards the ownership of creative works, allowing practitioners to reap the full benefits of their intellectual property.

(7) International Market Access: The Vice President also highlighted the need to expand Ghana's creative arts beyond local markets. He promised to work on initiatives that would give artists and creatives access to international markets, helping them to showcase their work on a global scale. This includes creating partnerships with international festivals, fashion shows, and art exhibitions to promote Ghanaian talent abroad.

Feedback from industry practitioners

During the meeting, several representatives from different sectors of the creative arts shared their experiences, challenges, and expectations. Musicians spoke about the need for better royalty systems and the challenges of digital music distribution. Fashion designers emphasised the importance of investing in local fabrics and promoting Ghana’s fashion industry internationally. Event organizers and models highlighted the lack of sponsorships and the challenges they face in accessing the needed resources to thrive.

Hairdressers and beauticians also spoke about the importance of having standard training institutions to professionalize their industry. They expressed optimism about the Vice President's vision, particularly the plans for infrastructure development and international market access.

Conclusion

The Vice President's engagement with the creative arts industry was met with positive feedback, as many practitioners saw his policies as a step in the right direction towards making the industry more profitable and sustainable.

Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to listening to the concerns of the sector and working collaboratively with its stakeholders demonstrated his desire to ensure that the creative arts play a pivotal role in Ghana's economic transformation.

As the creative arts industry continues to grow, the Vice President’s vision for a well-structured and financially supported sector could set the foundation for significant progress, making it a cornerstone of Ghana’s cultural and economic identity.