Rédaction Africa Links 24 with techfocus24
Published on 2024-02-09 19:22:18
In a recent lecture at the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), made several promises aimed at supporting the creative arts industry in Ghana if he becomes President. Among these promises is the creation of digital and streaming platforms for Ghanaian artists, with the goal of making tourism and the creative arts a growth pole in the country.
This pledge is not new, as it was also included in the NPP’s 2020 Manifesto for the creative industry. The party had previously stated its intention to build a digital platform for artists to make their products available to the global market. Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed this commitment during his lecture, emphasizing the party’s dedication to supporting and uplifting the creative arts sector.
In addition to the promise of digital platforms, Dr. Bawumia also pledged to build on the Year of Return initiative, which aimed to bring the African diaspora back to Ghana. The Beyond the Return and December in Ghana initiatives were mentioned as areas the party would focus on to further promote tourism and cultural exchange. Furthermore, Dr. Bawumia addressed the burden of taxes on creatives, noting that tax incentives would be provided for film producers and musicians to ease their financial obligations.
One of the more ambitious promises made by Dr. Bawumia is the implementation of an e-visa policy for all international visitors to Ghana. This policy, if enacted, would streamline the visa application process, enabling visas to be obtained in minutes subject to security and criminal checks. This initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and job creation in the country.
Despite these promises, the NPP has faced criticism from stakeholders in the creative industry for its failure to fulfill previous commitments. The party had pledged to set up the Creative Arts Fund to support artists, as well as construct theatres in Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale. Additionally, the promise to establish large recording studios in partnership with the private sector in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi has not been realized. The construction of a convention and exhibition center at the Ghana Trade Fair Company site in La also remains incomplete.
As Dr. Bawumia vies for the presidency, his promises to support the creative arts industry have generated both optimism and skepticism. While his pledges to create digital platforms for artists and implement an e-visa policy demonstrate a commitment to uplift the creative sector, stakeholders will likely continue to hold the NPP accountable for its unfulfilled promises from previous years. Only time will tell if Dr. Bawumia’s words translate into meaningful action and progress for the Ghanaian creative arts industry.
