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Government commits GH¢20 million to new Creative Arts Fund to boost Ghana’s cultural economy

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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.

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From Lekzy’s “A Fool in April” to Parrot Mouth’s “Laugh it Off”: Albert Bondah’s Rise as a Creative Force in the comedy industry

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In Ghana’s creative arts space, talent alone is not enough. What keeps the industry moving are people who can adapt, solve problems on the spot, and hold a production together when things get uncertain. That is where a true utility player stands out. And in recent times, Albert Bondah has proven exactly why that role matters, especially with his work on “Laugh It Off” by Parrot Mouth.

Fresh off the momentum of successfully steering Lekzy De Comic’s “A Fool in April”, Albert stepped into “Laugh It Off” with both confidence and pressure. The expectations were higher this time. The audience anticipated a seamless experience. The team itself included seasoned practitioners, many with years more experience. It was not just another show. It was a test of leadership, adaptability, and execution under pressure.

And the challenges came early.

From coordinating a diverse team to managing creative differences, Laugh It Off demanded more than technical know-how. There were moments when plans had to change on short notice. Timing had to be adjusted. Resources had to be stretched. At certain points, the weight of leading experienced hands could have easily unsettled the process. But this is where Albert’s strength as a utility player became clear.

Instead of resisting the pressure, he leaned into it. Drawing from his journey across theatre, comedy, and production, Albert approached each challenge with a calm, solution-driven mindset. His experience from past productions, especially handling unpredictable situations like adverse weather in earlier shows, helped him stay grounded.

On Laugh It Off, he knew when to step in, when to delegate, and when to simply let creativity flow. More importantly, he listened. Working with experienced professionals taught him the value of collaboration at a deeper level. He understood that leadership in creative spaces is not about control, but about direction.

By blending his own ideas with the input of others, he created an environment where everyone could contribute effectively. The result was a show that felt cohesive, engaging, and well-executed.

There were lessons too. Laugh It Off reinforced the importance of preparation, but also the need to stay flexible. It highlighted the value of clear communication within a team. And above all, it showed that experience is not just about how long you have worked, but how well you can apply what you know in real time. Albert brought all of that to bear.

From his early days as a student producer at Cape FM to working across major productions in Ghana’s creative arts industry, he has built a reputation for reliability and versatility. But with Laugh It Off, he did more than just contribute; he led, adapted, and delivered under pressure.

Albert Bondah- Comedy Promoter

This is what makes him a creative utility player. He is not confined to one role. He understands the full scope of production. He can move between responsibilities without losing focus on the bigger picture. And when it matters most, he shows up with solutions, not excuses.

As the curtains closed on “Laugh It Off”, one thing became clear: the success of the show was not accidental. It was the result of experience, meeting preparation, and preparation meeting preparation.

For brands, producers, and creatives looking to execute high-quality productions, Albert Bondah represents something valuable: a dependable force behind the scenes who ensures that ideas do not just stay ideas but come to life, even in the face of challenges. In an industry that thrives on unpredictability, that kind of consistency is rare. And it is exactly why Albert continues to stand out.

 

Written by: Lord Kofi Amoabeng [Creative Writer & Digital Media Marketer]

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Haruna Rashid Yussif vrs Africa University of Communication and Business; SRC Presidential Aspirant Challenges Election Outcome

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Tension is rising within the Africa University of Communication and Business (AUCB) following a dispute involving SRC presidential aspirant Haruna Rashid Yussif, who has raised concerns over the conduct and outcome of the recent Student Representative Council (SRC) elections.

Haruna Rasfid Yussif, a prominent contender in the race, is reportedly contesting aspects of the electoral process, questioning both transparency and fairness. His grievances are believed to stem from irregularities observed before and during the voting process, which he argues may have influenced the final results.

According to emerging reports, sections of his campaign team have also expressed dissatisfaction, calling for a thorough review of the election procedures. While full official details remain limited, discussions circulating within student circles suggest that the matter could escalate if not addressed by university authorities.

The SRC election, a key democratic exercise within the institution, is expected to reflect the voice and choice of the student body. However, controversies such as this risk undermining confidence in the process, particularly among candidates and their supporters.

Observers note that disputes of this nature are not uncommon in student politics, but the response from university management will be critical in determining how the situation unfolds. Calls for dialogue, transparency, and possible redress mechanisms are already gaining traction.

As of now, the leadership of the Africa University of Communication and Business has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement addressing the concerns raised by Haruna Rashid Yussif.

The coming days are expected to be decisive as stakeholders await clarity, accountability, and a resolution that preserves the integrity of student governance on campus.

The silence from authorities at the Africa University of Communication and Business is only adding to the pressure. Students across campus are beginning to ask tough questions about accountability, fairness, and whether the SRC election truly reflected the will of the people.

Student politics may often mirror national dynamics, but this situation is fast escalating beyond routine disagreement. If not addressed swiftly, it risks eroding trust in the very system meant to represent student voices.

For now, all eyes are on the university’s leadership. Will they step in to investigate and restore confidence, or allow the controversy to deepen?

One thing is clear: this isn’t just about an election anymore. It’s about credibility.

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Nigeria mourns the death of Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi

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Nigeria is mourns the death of Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi, whose passing was confirmed on Monday.

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, disclosed that the actor died in his sleep on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Yakubu, Akiyesi “slept and did not wake up.” He added that the late actor’s body has been placed in a morgue in the capital as the guild awaits further information from his family. The exact cause of death has not yet been made public.

Akiyesi, who began acting in the late 1990s, appeared in more than 100 movies and became known for roles in Marry Who You Love, Deadly Affair, and Desperate Ladies. Tributes have continued to pour in on social media, with colleagues and fans celebrating his impact on Nigeria’s film industry.

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