Gospel musician Celestine Donkor
Gospel musician Celestine Donkor has expressed frustration over what she describes as the government’s lack of support and investment in the creative arts industry.
In a discussion on ‘Onua Showtime’, she highlighted that musicians, just like other creatives, need financial support to promote their work.
Celestine Donkor pointed out that, due to the absence of support, they are forced to explore opportunities abroad, where they are better appreciated.
She made these statements while comparing how the Ghanaian government treats its creatives to how other countries support their creative industries.
“We want money, and the government can provide that. In Kenya, when artistes hold events, the government supports them with funds from the Ministry of Tourism. I’ve attended a concert in Canada, where the government also provides financial backing for creatives to organise their events. It’s the government’s responsibility to help us because we are taxpayers, and some of us even pay double taxes by working in both the formal and informal sectors.”
The gospel singer also called on the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts to thoroughly look into and recognise the value of creatives in the country.
“It’s time they recognise the value we bring and the contributions we make to the nation. We live in Ghana, but many of us are registered with copyright organizations in other countries that pay us. So why should we struggle here? Creatives are now finding opportunities abroad where their services are in demand,” she added.
Also watch videos from Dzifa Gomashie’s vetting below:
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