Empowering Ghana’s Creative Economy: The Urgent Need for Government Investment

 

The creative art industry has been identified as one of the fastest-growing sectors in Ghana and has the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economy. However, the industry has been largely overlooked by successive governments, resulting in a lack of investment and limited growth. In this article, we will discuss why the Ghana government should take a conscious effort to invest in the creative art industry and provide a blueprint to achieve that.

1. Economic Benefits

Investing in the creative art industry has the potential to create jobs and boost the economy. The industry is a significant contributor to the GDP of many countries, and Ghana can benefit greatly from this sector. The creative economy contributes just over 6.1% to global gross domestic product (GDP), averaging between 2% and 7% of national GDPs around the world. According to UN estimates, the creative economy industries generate annual revenues of over $2 trillion and account for nearly 50 million jobs worldwide (Source:thepolicycircle.org ). With a rich cultural heritage and talented artists, Ghana can tap into this potential and create a thriving creative economy.

2. Promotion of Culture and Tourism

The creative art industry is a major part of Ghana’s cultural heritage, and investing in the industry can help to preserve and promote the country’s culture. Ghana has a unique and diverse cultural heritage that can attract tourists from all over the world. By investing in the creative art industry, the government can create an enabling environment for artists to showcase their talents, which can attract tourists and boost the tourism industry.

3. Talent Development

Investing in the creative art industry can help to develop and nurture talent. Many young people in Ghana have a passion for the arts but lack the necessary support and resources to develop their skills. The government can provide the necessary support and infrastructure to help these young people to develop their talents and contribute to the growth of the industry.

4. Positive Image for Ghana

Investing in the creative art industry can help to create a positive image for Ghana. Ghana has produced many world-renowned artists, including Osibisa, Rocky Dawuni, and Wiyala, among others. By investing in the creative art industry, the government can create an enabling environment for artists to showcase their talents, which can help to promote Ghana’s positive image globally.

Blueprint to Achieve Investment in the Creative Art Industry in Ghana

To achieve investment in the creative art industry in Ghana, the following blueprint can be implemented:

1. Establish a Creative Arts Fund

The government can establish a creative arts fund to provide financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs. The fund can provide grants and loans to artists and creative entrepreneurs to help them develop and promote their talents.

2. Create an Enabling Environment

The government can create an enabling environment for the creative art industry by providing the necessary infrastructure, such as art galleries, theatres, and studios. The government can also provide tax incentives and other incentives to attract investment in the industry.

3. Provide Training and Skills Development

The government can provide training and skills development programs to artists and creative entrepreneurs to help them develop their talents and improve their business skills.

4. Promote Collaboration

The government can promote collaboration between artists, creative entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in the industry to promote innovation and growth.

In conclusion, investing in the creative art industry can bring immense economic and social benefits to Ghana. The government should take a conscious effort to invest in the industry by establishing a creative arts fund, creating an enabling environment, providing training and skills development, and promoting collaboration. By doing so, Ghana can unlock the potential of its creative art industry and create a thriving creative economy.

Ebenezer Ansah-Boafo