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Rethinking National Budgets: Why Ghana Must Prioritize the Creative Economy- FOCAP Vice President Mel Kwesi Davis

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When Sarkodie’s Rapperholic lit up Kumasi, it was more than just a concert. It was proof that Ghana’s creative sector isn’t a fringe industry, it’s an engine of growth, employment, identity and global relevance. The evidence is mounting: culture does drive commerce. Yet, paradoxically, our national budgets keep postponing the investment that’s already paid for itself many times over.
Here’s what recent data tells us and why immediate structural funding for the creative economy is not just desirable but essential.
https://youtu.be/S29XDWzzGOs?si=ctj5cLGLbJIWzRXq
Youth Unemployment & Underemployment.
The unemployment rate among youth aged 15-35 is around 19.7% as of 2023.
Among those aged 15-24, the rate is about 32%.
In the broader 15-35 age group, 22.5% are without employment.
Gender and geography matter: young women face higher unemployment (≈ 22.3%) compared with young men (≈ 17.4%). Urban areas show somewhat worse rates than rural ones.
There are also large numbers of youth classified as “NEET” (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). For example, about 1.8 million youth (roughly 28.8% of those aged 15-24) fell into this category in recent surveys.
The youth population continues to grow: in the 2020 Population & Housing Census, youth made up 38.2% of Ghana’s population.
The Creative Sector and the GDP of Ghana.
In 2022, the Global Citizen Festival held in Accra injected over USD 15 million into Ghana’s economy via production spending, hotels, transport, advertising, security and related services.
Creative sector share of GDP: The last formal estimate (UNESCO, 2010) placed Ghana’s cultural & creative industries at 1.53 % of GDP, counting only formal industries. Experts believe the figure is notably higher if informal creative activity is included.
Government stakeholders and commentators have posited that the creative industry could be leveraged to generate US$4 billion by 2028 in revenue for Ghana, if properly supported
In 2023, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture was allocated GH¢115,694,000; in 2024, this rose to GH¢260,948,961. Strikingly, in the 2025 budget, the tourism and creative arts sector was not mentioned or allocated any funds..
Other African countries offer models: Rwanda’s creative & arts sectors reportedly contribute 5.3% of GDP. Kenya has set objectives (through its arts & digital innovation strategies) for double-digit contributions (10%) in the near term.
The Global Citizen Festival example (2022) saw increased hotel occupancy (75%), over 5,000 international travellers coming for the event and over 1,000 local people employed for the event.
“December In GH” (a mix of concerts, festivals, fashion shows and cultural events) is increasing in scale: about 115,000 people in Dec 2023 vs 108,000 in Dec 2022, highlighting growing demand for cultural-tourism moments
Armed with the information stated and other research materials, below are some proposed allocation spends for the government to consider.
1. Component: Creative Sector Emergency Fund
Purpose: Immediate relief for event promoters, artists, and venue owners to help with production, logistics, safety, licensing, etc.
Proposed Allocation: Set aside ≈ GH¢150-200 million ring-fenced within mid-year budget or via supplementary funding to MoTAC (Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture). This could be matched with private sector/donor contributions.
2. Component: Annual Creative Infrastructure Budget.
Purpose: Build and maintain venues (concert halls, studios, outdoor amphitheatres) especially in regions outside Accra; upgrade lighting, acoustics, seating, security.
Proposed Allocation: Over 3 years, allocate GH¢500 million total with phased rollout: e.g., GH¢150 million in Year 1, GH¢175 million in Year 2, GH¢175 million in Year 3. Prioritise regional hubs (e.g., Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale).
3. Component: Skills Development, Training & Mentorship.
Purpose: Since many youth are unemployed or underemployed, targeted creative sector training (sound engineering, stage production, digital content creation, event management) can upskill them; mentorship to help professionalise creative work.
Proposed Allocation: Allocate GH¢30-40 million annually for this purpose; partner with YEA (Youth Employment Agency), private sector, NGOs; include accelerator or incubator programs.
4. Component: Tax Incentives & Support for Youth Creative Startups.
Purpose: Young people often struggle with the cost of equipment, licensing, and venue booking; incentives would reduce barriers to entry.
Proposed Allocation: Introduce tax rebates for young creative entrepreneurs; matching grants; subsidised access to public venues; GH¢50-70 million/year set aside for these incentives.
5. Component: Data & Monitoring with Youth-Specific Indicators.
Purpose: To track how many youth are employed in creative sectors, rates of underemployment, gender splits, informal vs formal status, and help policy targeting.
Allocation: Commission Ghana Statistical Service, in collaboration with MoTAC, to design and implement a youth creative employment survey; GH¢10-15 million/year.
6. Component: Emergency & Youth Creative Fund. 
Purpose: 30,000–50,000 youth (across event production, artist support, promotion, media)
Proposed Mechanic: Based on scaling existing small festivals and creative businesses, plus matching private sector investment.
7. Component: Infrastructure & Venues in Regions.
Purpose: 50,000–80,000 youth employed in construction, maintenance, event services, and venue management
Mechanic: Assumes phased build-out of regional creative hubs, studios and public performance spaces.
7. Component: Skills Development / Masterclasses / Incubation. 
Purpose: 70,000–100,000 youth upgraded into formal or semi-formal creative sector roles (production, sound engineering, video, design, digital media)
Mechanic: With regular cohort training, mentorship, and accredited programs.
8. Component: Incentives & Startup Seed Capital.
Purpose: 20,000–30,000 youth can start small creative enterprises and sustain them over 2-3 years
Mechanic: With tax breaks, grants/subsidies, capital support, and business training.
Why Waiting Is Costing Ghana.
Each systemically underfunded event or delayed infrastructure means local businesses lose out on income (hotels, food vendors, transportation) that do not get recovered..
Branding & tourism relations: Cultural festivals, concerts, and artist branding help attract international visitors. Ghana has already seen successes like “Year of Return” and “Global Citizen” having a spillover into tourism. Failing to capitalise means losing to competing African countries.
Inflation / rising costs: The cost of production, importation of equipment, venue maintenance, security, etc., is rising. What seems viable now may be unaffordable later. Early investment often gets more “bang for cedi.”
With the 2025 budget notably omitting allocations for tourism & the creative arts, the government sends the wrong signal: that promises are more valuable than follow-through, but budget mechanics exist; policies can be structured; allocations can be made. Nations are built in the present.
Mel Kwesi Davis.
Vice President of the Foundation Of Concerned Art Professionals (FOCAP).

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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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