FOCAP’S REVIEW: PRESIDENT MAHAMA’S 120-DAY SOCIAL CONTRACT

The Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) believes that President John Dramani Mahama’s 120-day social contract regarding Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts has been achieved. Indeed, FOCAP has been following with keen interest to see the effectiveness of promises made by the present government.

In his 120-day social contract, President Mahama promised to officially launch the Blackstar Experience, and indeed, he did. This, FOCAP, sees President John Mahama as a leader who loves the Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts sector and wants to see the maximum growth of the orange economy.

FOCAP is looking at the proper execution of the Blackstar Experience and its impact felt across the country with yielding results and fruits. The creative sector largely needs serious help to sustain the players. We pray the Blackstar Experience Secretariat will make sure the creation of jobs within the Blackstar Experience is felt amongst the creative industry players with equal opportunities.

FOCAP also observed that, in as much as the launching of the Blackstar Experience was part of his government 120-day social contract, the government had done great by appointing all executive directors and CEOs of the agencies under the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts, fixing of Creative Arts Agency website which was fraudulently operated by some individuals, launch of Accra by night, chocolate week, kwahu Paragliding, revitilazation of the creative arts agency, and international mother language day.

FOCAP wishes to alert President Mahama to quickly activate some of the low-hanging fruits within the Blackstar experience manifesto for the creatives.

1- Introduction of tax breaks for Creative Arts artistes who have a TIN (Tax Identification Number)

2- Special event channel for Creative Arts Programmes on digital terrestrial television with pay-per-view

3- Cultural events at Blackstar Square, Accra International Conference Centre and other venues owned by the government to be given at special rates and others to make creatives have a breather.

Kojo Preko Dankwa

President

0550077040

Enoch Agyepong

Vice President, Research

0244712136

Mel Kwesi Davis

Vice President

0205422156