Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has made significant promises to the music industry if he is elected as president in 2025.
Speaking at a lecture titled ‘Ghana’s Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future’ at the University of Professional Studies-Accra (UPSA) on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Dr Bawumia assured that his government would introduce digital and streaming platforms for artists to enhance their earnings.
He emphasized the potential for tourism and the creative arts to become growth poles in Ghana.
Furthermore, Dr Bawumia pledged to build on the legacy of the current Nana Akufo-Addo administration, particularly the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, and December in Ghana initiatives.
He expressed his intention to implement an e-visa policy for all international visitors to Ghana, aiming to streamline the visa application process, subject to security and criminal checks.
In addition to these promises, the Vice President assured that his government would provide tax incentives for film producers and musicians in efforts to alleviate tax burdens on creatives. This commitment aligns with the overall goal of boosting tourism and job creation in the country.
However, it is important to note that these promises are reminiscent of the unfulfilled pledges made by the current government in 2020. Nevertheless, Dr Bawumia remains confident in his plans for the music industry and the creative arts sector.
It is important to mention that Ghana is gearing up for the upcoming elections in December 2024, with Dr Bawumia facing former President John D. Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as his biggest opponent.
As the political landscape continues to unfold, the music industry and the creative arts community will be closely following the developments and promises made by the candidates.
