President Mahama pledges GH¢20million to boost Ghana’s film and creative industries

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government has allocated GH¢20 million to develop the film sector as part of broader support for Ghana’s creative industries.

Delivering his second State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27, he indicated that the film industry would receive targeted funding within the national budget for culture and tourism.

He described film as one element of a shift toward new‑media creatives who are elevating Ghana’s global profile, noting that “creatives using the new media are giving our nation greater prominence than we could have achieved through any first‑class traditional media outlet.”

The President said the allocation would support wider plans to enhance events and venues, announcing that “we are going to undertake the refurbishment of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to restore it to its iconic past.” 

He added that procurement and integrity assessments are ongoing so that renovation work can begin soon.

The refurbishment, he explained, forms part of building the necessary infrastructure to host national and international events that will benefit both the creative and film sectors.

Mr Mahama emphasised that the AICC alone is insufficient to meet Ghana’s ambitions and said public–private collaboration would drive the development of a new facility. 

“Work will also commence this year on a befitting convention and creative events centre,” he stated, intended to position Ghana as West Africa’s destination for meetings, conferences, musical concerts, and entertainment, creating both demand and platforms for the film industry.

He also highlighted political and diplomatic support for creatives, assuring the industry of the government’s commitment to its promotion and growth.