The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, outlined his proposed policies for the creative economy should he win the 2024 election.
During a policy dialogue with creative arts industry stakeholders at the AH Hotel in Accra on Friday, June 7, 2024, Mahama emphasized the sector’s potential to generate millions of jobs for Ghanaians.
He noted that globally, the wealthiest and most successful individuals often emerge from creative fields, a trend not mirrored in Ghana.
Mahama highlighted the untapped talent among Ghanaian youth, stressing that establishing a robust creative industry could provide significant opportunities.
He also previewed strategies aimed at elevating the industry, which will be detailed in the NDC’s upcoming manifesto.
Below are some highlights of the policy
1. Allocate budget for the creative arts.
2. Declare the Golden Age of Culture, Arts, and Tourism, with initiatives to promote job creation and entrepreneurship, including the BlackStar Experience to promote African culture and attract global visitors.
3. Renovate Arts and Culture Centers in various regions.
4. Streamline copyright and intellectual property laws.
5. Organize film festivals showcasing Ghanaian films.
6. Host arts exhibitions, music shows, and fashion programs.
7. Focus on drama and theatre arts, supporting playwrights to showcase their plays.
8. Enable creatives to attend international trade fairs to exhibit Ghanaian culture and arts.
9. Pursue the establishment of a film village and provide low-cost equipment for filmmakers.
10. Rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra and build a second National Theatre in Kumasi.
11. Acquire a special event channel for creative arts programs on digital terrestrial television (DTT) with a pay-per-view model.
12. Offer special rates for performances at Blackstar Square, Accra International Conference Centre, and other government venues.
13. Encourage the teaching of music and arts in the curriculum with trained teachers.
14. Introduce tax breaks for creative artists with Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).
15. Formalize a fund for aging artists.
16. Revive the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC).
17. Develop tourist sites in partnership with the private sector.
18. Revive the Marine Drive Project.
19. Provide amusement parks.
20. Review the tourism fund to benefit various stakeholders in the tourism value chain.
21. Build a new city on the banks of the Volta Region with facilities to boost arts activities and tourism.
22. Hold annual stakeholder dialogues with people in the creative arts sector.
Source: Adomonline
