Rédaction Africa Links 24 with techfocus24
Published on 2024-02-09 19:34:34
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, made a promise to create digital platforms for Ghanaian artistes if he becomes President, during his lecture titled ‘Ghana’s Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future’ at the University of Professional Studies in Accra on February 7, 2024.
Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision for the creative arts industry, emphasizing the need for digital and streaming platforms to promote Ghanaian artists and make tourism and the creative arts a growth pole in the country. This promise aligns with the 2020 Manifesto of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which also included plans to build a digital platform for artists to showcase their products on the global market.
In addition to creating digital platforms, Dr. Bawumia also pledged to build on the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, December in Ghana initiative, which has been successful in attracting the African diaspora to visit and invest in Ghana. He also highlighted the need for tax incentives for film producers and musicians to alleviate the burden of taxes on the creatives. Furthermore, he proposed the implementation of an e-visa policy for all international visitors to Ghana, aiming to boost tourism and job creation by streamlining the visa application process.
However, despite these promises, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has faced criticism for the unfulfilled pledges made to the creative industry stakeholders. Some of the uncompleted promises include setting up the Creative Arts Fund to support artists, constructing theatres in Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale, and establishing large recording studios in partnership with the private sector in key cities. The construction of a convention and exhibition centre at the Ghana Trade Fair Company site in La has also not been completed.
In light of these unfulfilled promises, there is growing demand for accountability and action from the NPP to deliver on their commitments to the creative arts industry.
It is essential for political parties and leaders to follow through on their pledges to the creative industry, as it plays a significant role in promoting Ghana’s culture, tourism, and economic development. Therefore, the upcoming election will be an opportunity for the New Patriotic Party and other political entities to address the concerns and aspirations of the creative arts industry and work towards creating a thriving environment for Ghanaian artists and creatives.
