The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has outlined his proposed policies for the creative economy if he emerges victorious in the 2024 election.
Speaking at a policy dialogue with stakeholders in the creative arts industry at the AH Hotel in Accra, the former President stressed the potential of the creative industry to generate millions of jobs for Ghanaians.
Mahama emphasized that while creativity has propelled individuals to success and wealth in other parts of the world, Ghana has yet to fully tap into this potential.
He believes that by investing in the creative arts sector, opportunities can be created for young talented individuals who currently lack avenues to showcase their skills.
Ahead of the release of their manifesto, Mahama disclosed some strategies that the NDC plans to implement to uplift the industry if they are granted the opportunity to govern the country again.
Some of the proposed policies include allocating budgetary resources for the creative arts, and declaring the Golden Age of Culture, Arts, and Tourism.
Renovating Centers of Arts and Culture in various regions, streamlining copyright laws, organizing film festivals and art exhibitions, and supporting drama and theatre arts.
Additionally, Mahama highlighted plans to establish a film village, revamp the National Theatre in Accra, construct a second National Theatre in Kumasi, and provide special rates for performances at government-owned venues.
Introduce tax breaks for artists with Tax Identification Numbers, create a fund for aging artists, and hold annual stakeholder dialogues within the Creative Arts community.
The NDC also aims to enhance arts education in the curriculum, develop all tourist sites in partnership with the private sector, revive the Marine Drive Project, and build amusement parks.
Review the tourism fund for the benefit of stakeholders, and construct a new city in the Volta Region to boost arts activities and tourism.
Mahama’s vision for the creative industry is ambitious and aims to transform Ghana’s cultural landscape, providing opportunities for creative individuals to thrive and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
If implemented successfully, these policies have the potential to revolutionize the creative arts sector and create a conducive environment for artistic expression and innovation in Ghana.
