Entertainment
Government commits GH¢20 million to new Creative Arts Fund to boost Ghana’s cultural economy
The government has taken a concrete step toward strengthening Ghana’s cultural and creative industries by introducing a Creative Arts Fund in the 2026 budget.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson told Parliament that the fund will receive GH¢20 million as initial capital. It is meant to support music, fashion, visual art, culinary arts and the many value chains that keep these sectors running.
“We will also establish the Creative Arts Fund for the arts, music, fashion, food and other creative sectors,” he said.
The fund is expected to address long standing challenges. Many creatives, including musicians, designers, chefs and visual artists, struggle with inconsistent funding and limited market structures. With public capital available, the fund can back small production grants, training programmes, technical support, market access projects and efforts to help creative businesses operate more professionally.
Dr Ato Forson presented the initiative as part of a broader strategy to turn culture into real economic growth and sustainable jobs, rather than a side activity.
Seed money from the fund could support early stage ideas that private investors often avoid. If it is channelled into production, distribution, export promotion and incubation hubs, it could help creatives build stronger business partnerships and open new tourism opportunities.
The success of the fund, however, will rely heavily on clear guidelines and solid governance. Previous promises to support the creative sector have sometimes slowed down due to weak oversight, short lived programmes or unclear evaluation systems.
Industry stakeholders are already expected to push for transparent criteria for disbursement, an independent board with creative sector expertise and monitoring tools that can track job creation and revenue generated by supported projects.
Other parts of the budget hint at a broader vision. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has been asked to upgrade cultural infrastructure and strengthen incentives for creatives. Connecting the fund to skills training, copyright protection and marketing support could increase its effectiveness.
A well balanced approach that includes grants, low interest loans and matched funding could also attract private investment and help creative businesses grow stronger.
For now, many creatives will watch closely. They will be looking for timely release of the seed money, a clear timeline for selecting projects and measures that ensure support reaches creators across all regions, not just a few major cities.
If the fund is managed well, it could open up new income streams, create professional jobs and help Ghana export more of its cultural products. If not, it risks becoming another budget promise that fails to reach the people it was meant to help.
The details will matter. The release of guidelines, appointment of the board and selection of the first group of beneficiaries will show whether this initiative becomes a real driver of Ghana’s creative economy or just another plan on paper.
For many creatives who have long waited for structured and predictable support, the 2026 Budget marks an important first step. The true impact will show when this commitment translates into actual studios, fashion lines, records, exhibitions and food ventures that reward the people behind them.
Entertainment
Shatta Wale hints at contesting Ablekuma South seat as independent candidate in 2028
Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has opened up about the possibility of venturing into politics, revealing that he may consider running for office as an independent parliamentary candidate if there is significant public demand ahead of the 2028 elections.
He said this during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen talk show with OB. Government name, Charles Nii Armah Jnr., said he does not intend to affiliate with any political party should he decide to enter the political arena.
According to him, his interest in politics would be driven by a desire to serve the people rather than by personal wealth. He disclosed that if the opportunity arises, he would consider contesting the parliamentary seat for Ablekuma South as an independent candidate.
“If the people push me to go into politics, I will consider it. I won’t do it because I’m rich, but because I want to serve the people. I would contest the Ablekuma South seat, but I won’t join any political party. I would prefer to run as an independent candidate if the calls become stronger by 2028,” he said.
Shatta Wale also spoke about his strong attachment to Ghana, explaining that his love for the country is one of the reasons he continues to live here despite opportunities to travel or relocate abroad.
He noted that traveling outside the country can be quite costly for him, which makes him more comfortable staying in Ghana.
“I love Ghana so much. Anytime someone asks me to travel abroad, I feel a bit uneasy because I end up spending more money there. Life outside is expensive,” he explained.
The musician added that living in Ghana allows him to enjoy a level of freedom that he values.
“In Ghana, I feel free. Sometimes I go to certain places and I’m able to walk around without any problem,” he said.
He also urged Ghanaians to cultivate a positive mindset, emphasizing that a constructive outlook can drive meaningful change in society.
“If you keep a positive mindset, you can influence change in many ways,” he added.
Entertainment
Legendary musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi Accuses Kuami Eugene of Song Theft
Legendary Highlife musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi has accused fellow Highlife artiste Kuami Eugene of using his song without authorization.
According to the veteran musician, Kuami Eugene performed his song word for word and uploaded it on YouTube without seeking permission from him. He explained that although the younger artiste sang the song well and added some flavour to it, he did not contact him beforehand to seek clearance.
Speaking on the flagship Ekwanso Dwoodwoo drive time show on Okay FM with host Nana Romeo, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi said he was surprised when he heard the rendition of his song Asem Kakra Bi online.
“Kuami Eugene has taken my song. Visit his YouTube platform; he did it very well.
He sang the song so nicely, and I was awed when I heard it. Just Google Asem Kakra Bi and you’ll find it. He did a very good job on the song though. But Kuami never spoke to me about the song. It’s not like he sampled it or took some parts of it; he sang it word for word,” he said.
When asked by Nana Romeo whether Kuami Eugene was supposed to seek permission before using the song, the veteran musician responded that the right procedure would have been to request clearance.
However, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi indicated that he does not hold any personal grudge against the Angela hitmaker, describing him as someone he sees as a son.
“I won’t fault him that much. He’s like my son, so if he admires my work and uses it, I have no problem with it,” he noted.
Despite his forgiving stance, the veteran musician maintained that proper respect and due process should have been followed.
He added that although Kuami Eugene may know his work, the artiste has never personally introduced himself to him.
“I have forgiven him, but if someday he introduces himself to me, I will be happy. He should bring me my portion of the earnings. Not giving me even a penny is not right,” he added.
Entertainment
Police Arrest Counsellor Lutterodt Over Alleged Incitement in Viral Video About Late Highlife Star Daddy Lumba
Marriage counsellor and public commentator Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, popularly known as Counsellor Lutterodt, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over remarks made in a viral video that allegedly incited youth to storm the residence of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba.
The arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following investigations into comments authorities say were offensive and capable of disturbing public peace.
In a press release issued on March 10, 2026, and signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawoo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, police indicated that Lutterodt’s remarks were linked to issues surrounding the late musician.
“Police investigations indicate that the suspect made some comments in relation to issues surrounding the late musician which are considered offensive and capable of causing a breach of the peace,” the statement said.
Although the police did not disclose the exact content of the viral video, reports suggest the remarks targeted the memory of Daddy Lumba and circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage. Lutterodt is alleged to have encouraged some youth to exhume the musician’s body from his residence in East Legon.
Counsellor Lutterodt is a well-known figure in Ghana’s media landscape, frequently appearing on radio and television programmes to provide relationship advice and commentary on social issues. His outspoken style has often generated both support and controversy.
Police confirmed that he has since been granted bail but will be arraigned before court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
According to the CID, Lutterodt will face charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as well as inciting violence under provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).
The offences relate to behaviour or speech that could provoke violence, public disorder, or actions likely to disturb societal peace.
Daddy Lumba, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, died on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a celebrated musical legacy and a large fan base across the country and beyond.
Lutterodt is expected to appear before an Accra court on Wednesday, where the charges will be formally read and his legal team will respond.

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