The Foundation Of Concerned Art Professionals (FOCAP) has described President John Mahama’s recent remarks about the creative sector as “not encouraging,” insisting that the industry deserves more than promises.
During a media briefing on the State of the Nation, President Mahama acknowledged that the creative sector is one of the fastest-growing employers in Ghana and pledged allocations in the next national budget.
But in a sharp response, FOCAP questioned why the sector was not prioritized in his first year in office.
“If the creative sector is truly this vital, why was it not prioritized and resourced in his very first year in office?… our sector continues to suffer from underfunding and neglect in national planning and development,” the group said in a statement signed by President Kojo Preko Dankwa.
The advocacy group stressed that the creative industry, spanning music, film, fashion, theatre and cultural events, does not only provide jobs but also strengthens tourism and enhances Ghana’s global image.
They pointed to the “Orange Economy” model in Latin America, which contributes billions to GDP, as an example Ghana should emulate.
FOCAP is demanding sustained budget allocation, creative infrastructure investment, stronger intellectual property laws, and public-private partnerships to boost cultural exports.
“The youth are ready. The talent is abundant. The world is already watching Ghana. What is missing is the bold political will to invest and transform our creative energy into economic power,” the statement added.
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The group urged creatives and the public to join in demanding urgent investment in the sector.
“If Ghana is to truly live up to its name as the Black Star, then we must invest in the sector that makes us shine.
“This is not the time for promises, this is the time for action, urgency and accountability,” the statement concluded.
However, it should be noted that the full budget will be read before Parliament in November 2025.
The President has promised to capture the sector in the upcoming budget, citing it as necessary to provide jobs in the country.
Watch President Mahama’s address below:
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