Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
As Ghanaians eagerly await the presentation of the 2025 Budget, the first under the newly sworn-in John Dramani Mahama administration, expectations are high.
This is because of the many promises he made to Ghanaians, especially within the tourism and creative arts sector during the 2024 elections.
Today, March 11, 2025, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to include the sector in budget presentation before Parliament, which aims to tackle its many challenges.
Here are some things to expect:
Black Star Experience
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to present the budget for the “Black Star Experience,” one of the key policies the administration promised to implement upon assuming office.
President John Dramani Mahama, during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) and in the NDC manifesto, emphasised that his administration plans to create and promote the “Black Star Experience” as Ghana’s flagship culture, arts, and tourism brand, with the goal of making Ghana a preferred tourism destination.
The finance minister is expected to detail how much the government plans to invest in the “Black Star Experience” initiative, which will include street carnivals, a film week, a fashion festival, food fairs, theatrical performances, and more.
Building an ultra-modern recreation village for creatives
The creation of a film village has been a topic of discussion for years. Members of the creative arts industry, especially actors, have repeatedly called on the previous NPP administration to provide a recreation center that would promote the movie industry.
In the 2024 manifesto, the NDC promised to collaborate with the private sector to build an ultra-modern recreation village coupled with an auditorium for films, musical concerts, and other special events.
Dr. Ato Forson is expected to provide details on the cost of this policy and how much funds will be allocated to it.
Reviving the Creative Arts Fund and Pension Scheme
In today’s budget presentation, the finance minister will also address President Mahama’s vision to revive the Creative Arts Fund and pension scheme, which will offer sustainable financial support for start-ups as well as large, medium, and small creative enterprises that are struggling within the sector.
Dr. Ato Forson is expected to provide insights into the estimated cost of implementing this policy and how much funds are allocated for it.
Support for young digital content creators
The NDC’s manifesto highlighted their commitment to supporting young digital content creators in developing content that promotes Ghanaian culture.
Dr. Ato Forson is expected to outline how much the Mahama-led administration plans to allocate for this initiative to nurture the next generation of digital content creators in Ghana.
Enhancing the collection of royalties in the industry
The finance minister is expected to address how the government intends to tackle copyright issues in the country.
He plans to shed light on the steps the administration will take to facilitate, enforce, and enhance the collection and management systems for copyrights and royalties in Ghana.
Tourism Infrastructure enhancement
This administration promised to refurbish and modernize Ghana’s iconic cultural heritage sites, as well as develop potential sites. Additionally, they plan to construct new Centers of National Culture and refurbish existing ones, transforming them into spaces that will not only attract international tourists but also foster domestic tourism through immersive, community-based cultural programming.
In this regard, Ghanaians are expecting the finance minister to announce how much is allocated to this initiative.
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