Creative arts industry to receive GHS5 million support

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal has revealed that said that his ministry is ready to push GHS5 million into the creative arts industry as seed money to help the sector grow.

Dr Awal made the disclosure during an interaction with players in the creative arts including actors and musicians, on ways to improve the sector as well as make it attractive for investors and individuals in the industry.

“As seed money we are going to start with GHS5 million. For me, it is all about making money so that we can move the industry to the next level. Money is what I know and I want to help make that money, grow your business and pay your taxes. So, we will start with that seed money and grow it,” he said.

A section of the industry players who were at the meeting

Dr Awal also urged the players to join hands and come up with two key projects that can be achieved within two years.

“Let us start with two projects, put that together and let me have it. What I can say is that the president is ready to make things happen, he has given me two years to change the industry and that is what I will be doing.

"I want us to sit down after the end of the president’s tenure and say hallelujah, the president has delivered. One thing I can tell you is that president Akufo-Addo will not disappoint the industry,” he stated,

He also thanked all those who made it to the event. “All the big shots in the industry are here and for me, it is an endorsement, I will not say I have all the answers but I am prepared to learn and learn very fast so that we can move the industry forward and I will need your support to do that.

"As for us, we have started working and we will try and solve the issues. We may not be able to solve all but we will. My office is open anytime. We will do our best to make it better so that we can all retire well.”

From left, actress Salma Mumin, Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, Gospel artiste Celestine Donkor, Dancehall artiste MzVee and Gospel artistes Jayana and Joyce Blessing