Ghanaian software engineer Solomon Appier-Sign has shared insights on the challenges of creating a local digital platform for creatives in Ghana.
In an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, he expressed his views on the New Patriotic Party’s promise to establish an online streaming platform for musicians and creatives.
Appier-Sign acknowledged the potential job creation benefits of a local platform but pointed out the difficulties in competing with established foreign platforms.
He emphasized the need to reduce the penetration of foreign digital platforms in Ghana to give local platforms a fighting chance.
He also highlighted the challenge of convincing Ghanaian users to migrate from familiar foreign platforms to a new local platform.
Appier-Sign stressed the importance of protecting the space and possibly forming partnerships or blocking foreign applications to eliminate heavy competition.
The NPP included the promise of a digital platform for artists in their 2020 and 2024 manifestos.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, explained that research showed the market was not viable then. He mentioned plans to partner with the private sector to develop the platform and monitor the market further for feasibility.
Despite the challenges, Okraku-Mantey emphasized the need for flexibility in manifestoes, indicating that adjustments may be made based on market dynamics.
