SONA: GH¢20m for Film Sector, GH¢20m for Creative Industries — Mahama Announces Major Investment

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major financial boost for Ghana’s tourism and creative arts sector, allocating GH¢20 million to the film industry and an additional GH¢20 million to other creative sectors as part of efforts to position creativity as a key driver of economic growth.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address to Parliament, President Mahama underscored the growing importance of the creative economy, stating that Ghana’s development would not depend solely on traditional sectors.

“Our economy will not be built only by traditional sectors, but also by human creativity — sectors that will absorb those who will be displaced from the shop floor by the new AI technologies being rolled out,” he said.

GH¢20m for Film — Kumawood, Ghallywood to Benefit

The President revealed that GH¢20 million has been earmarked specifically for the film sector to support players across the industry, including Kumawood, Ghallywood and other emerging production hubs.

“Government has allocated 20 million Ghana cedis to the film sector alone. This is going to support Kumawood, Ghallywood and all the woods,” he announced.

He noted that the investment is intended to strengthen production capacity, improve quality, create jobs and enhance the global competitiveness of Ghanaian films.

Additional GH¢20m for Creative Arts

Beyond film, another GH¢20 million has been committed to the broader creative industries, including music, fashion, arts and digital content creation.

“Another 20 million cedis has been given for the other creative sectors. I believe that this injection of money will bolster our creative sectors,” President Mahama stated.

He praised creatives leveraging new media platforms, saying they are giving Ghana international visibility beyond what traditional outlets could achieve.

“Creatives using the new media are giving our nation greater prominence than we could have achieved through any first-class traditional media outlet,” he said.

Tourism and Culture at the Centre of Growth

President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s appeal as a tourist destination is rooted in its rich cultural heritage.

“Ghana has become a favourite tourist destination because of our history, culture, our arts, our music, our fashion and our food,” he said.

He pledged personal commitment to promoting the sector.

“I wish to assure the creative industry and the Ministry of Tourism that I will be your personal ambassador for the promotion of tourism and the creative sector.”

Creative Economy as Future Job Engine

The President stressed that the creative arts sector will play a crucial role in job creation, particularly as technological advancement reshapes traditional employment patterns.

By investing in the creative space, government aims to build a resilient economy powered by innovation, talent and cultural capital.

The GH¢40 million combined investment signals what the President described as a deliberate shift toward harnessing Ghana’s “brand equity” and unlocking the economic potential of its creative talents.