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.