John Dramani Mahama, the Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recently announced a promising initiative for ageing creatives in Ghana.
During a policy dialogue with stakeholders in the creative arts industry at the AH Hotel in Accra, Mahama expressed his commitment to establishing a fund specifically for ageing artists if he wins the December 2024 election.
Mahama emphasized his longstanding concern for the welfare of creatives and his personal donations to support individuals in the entertainment sector. To expand on this support, he proposed the creation of an Ageing Artistes Fund to provide financial assistance to elderly artists for their medical needs and daily sustenance.
The former President highlighted the economic potential of the creative arts industry, noting that it could generate millions of jobs and opportunities for talented youth in the country. He outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes budgetary allocations, cultural policy declarations, renovation of art centers, and support for copyright protection.
Mahama also proposed initiatives such as film festivals, arts exhibitions, music shows, and special focus on drama and theatre arts. Additionally, he mentioned plans to establish a film village, rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra, and build a second National Theatre in Kumasi.
Other strategies outlined by Mahama include providing tax breaks for artists with Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), encouraging the teaching of music and arts in the curriculum, and formalizing a fund for ageing artistes. He also plans to revive the National Festival of Arts and Culture, develop tourist sites in partnership with the private sector, and review the tourism fund to benefit stakeholders in the industry.
Furthermore, Mahama proposed the construction of a new city on the banks of the Volta Region to enhance arts activities and boost tourism. He also pledged to hold annual stakeholder dialogues with individuals in the Creative Arts industry to ensure continuous engagement and collaboration.
