President John Dramani Mahama has announced a ¢40 million allocation to Ghana’s creative sector in his 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered in Parliament.
Speaking during the address, President Mahama emphasized the growing importance of the tourism and creative arts industry.
“Our tourism and creative arts sector has a lot to offer. Creatives using new media are giving our nation greater prominence than we could have achieved through any first-class traditional media outlet.
Our economy will not be built only by traditional sectors, but also by human creativity sectors that will absorb those who may be displaced from the shop floor by new AI technologies being rolled out.”
The President noted that Ghana has become a favorite tourist destination because of its rich history, culture, arts, music, fashion, and cuisine.
Government has allocated ¢20 million specifically to the film industry to support productions within Kumawood, Ghallywood, and other emerging film platforms.
An additional ¢20 million has been earmarked for other creative sectors.
“I believe this injection of funding will bolster our creative industries. I wish to assure the creative industry and the Ministry of Tourism that I will be your personal ambassador for the promotion of tourism and the creative sector,” he said.
As part of efforts to position Ghana as a premier destination for international events, the government will refurbish the Accra International Conference Centre to restore it to its former status as the country’s leading venue for national and international conferences and events.
The original contractors of the facility, Energoprojekt Ghana Limited, have conducted a structural integrity assessment at the request of the Office of the Chief of Staff and made recommendations for its renovation and refurbishment. Work is expected to commence in the coming weeks.
The President further stated that the AICC alone is insufficient for a country seeking to expand its creative economy and become West Africa’s preferred destination for meetings, conferences, music concerts, and entertainment events.
In collaboration with the private sector, government will also begin work this year on a modern convention and creative arts event center to position Ghana as West Africa’s leading hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and creative events.
Additionally, renovation of the State Banquet Hall, which has been closed for several years, will also begin this year.
Writer: Frederick Nortey
