The Deputy Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, Dr Richardson Commey Fio, has refuted claims that the government neglected the creative arts sector in the 2025 budget.
Speaking to GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie at the launch of The Akwaaba Club in Accra on September 27, 2025, Dr Fio clarified that while major investments are expected to begin next year, as promised by President Mahama, the government has already provided funding to ensure the ministry remains operational.
“I don’t think the sector was ignored. The sector is running. The minister is on the road. I think what the president meant was huge investments that need to take place in the industry. He believes that that will kick off from next year.
“But I think that the financing of the sector, with all 13 agencies for it to operate, the government has done that, and the ministry is running it,” he said.
He explained that the ministry needs time to assess inherited projects, adding that the new administration must review and build upon existing frameworks rather than start from scratch.
“Governance is a continuum. You can’t just come and pack what has been done and start all over again. You have to look at the positives and maintain those. All of that takes resources that the government has been able to provide,” he added.
The Akwaaba Club is an initiative founded by Joe Osae, the creator of the iconic Akwaaba portrait, aimed at enhancing cultural literacy among Ghanaian youth in secondary and tertiary institutions across the country.
The project will consist of educational lessons, field trips and interschool contests to help students connect with their roots and become Ghanaian cultural ambassadors.
Watch the video below:
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