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.

I have read an article written by one, Azumah Ibrahim (Chief Tuya Naa), who says he is PNDC (C.D.R) and NDCAG. Savanna Regional Director, Centre for National Culture, Damango on yagbonradioonline.

The write-up seeks to call on President John Dramani Mahama to look into a series of what he calls acts of insubordination and deliberate sabotage by certain staff of the Commission, as well as actions by some officers of the sector ministry.

According to the write-up it quoted, the current acting CEO of the National Commission on Culture, Wakefield Ackuako, submitted a report to draw the attention of the office of the president.

If Mr Wakefield Ackuaku indeed wrote such a report to the office of the President, and equally, the details of the report found themselves in the media space, then respectfully, Wakefield Ackuaku lacks the capacity to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission.

1- ACTS OF INSUBORDINATION: The report speaks to acts of insubordination and deliberate sabotage by certain staff of the Commission and the sector ministry.  This is uncalled for and immaturity at display here.

You are the CEO of a whole agency and commander of the agency; instil respect and discipline.  Why report to your boss who appointed you to fix the problem? Do not be seen as a baby whose toffee has been taken away and is crying for attention. By this time, you should know the chain of command within your sector. If the mother ministry is undermining your work, you make it known to the minister in charge and escalate it to possibly the chief of staff if the need be.

2- REFORMS – The article mentions Wakefield Ackuaku’s inability to realign the operations of the Commission.  Clearly, you are exhibiting lost gravitas to be the leader at the agency.

The write-up mentioned a case of Richardson Fio, who was reassigned to the Upper East and blatantly refused. Clearly, there is a leadership crisis at the agency.

The matter of Richards beats my mind, and I’m wondering. Mr Ackuaku, were you not part of the meeting held between the Minister and, Chief Director regarding Mr Richardson Commey Fio, reassignment to the ministry?

Have you not ordered the change of locks to the office of Mr Richardson Commey Fio since you wrote to him in May this year to reassign him?

Above all, l will urge you not to allow regional centre directors to be writing articles that implicate you and largely disgrace the very political party that has given you this position to serve your mother, Ghana.

How can a sector minister undertake field visits, particularly to the north, to visit Commission centres and familiarise herself with ongoing activities, whereas you, the CEO of the Commission, have not even stepped there to do otherwise? You should rather do it and call for her attention since you are in charge and the big issues you have identified.

Keep the focus to see a positive turnover of the Commission and make sure your tenure in the office brings success.

Kojo Preko Dankwa

FOCAP President.

Ghanaian media icon and entrepreneur Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi, widely known as Bola Ray, has been unveiled as the first inductee into The Creatives’ Space of Fame, a new recognition platform designed to honour individuals who have shaped the country’s creative and cultural industries through innovation, leadership, and impact.

The initiative, developed by Nana Otu Gyandoh under the theme “A Decade in the Making,” has been in preparation for over ten years. It serves as what organisers describe as “a living hall of honour” a platform that not only celebrates artistic excellence but also documents the systems, institutions, and networks built by creative pioneers.

Bola Ray’s selection as the debut honouree comes as no surprise to many who have followed his career. From his early days at Radio Universe in 1997 to his breakout years at Top Radio and his defining era on Joy FM’s Drive Time, Bola Ray’s voice became synonymous with energy, professionalism, and a new era of Ghanaian urban broadcasting. His charisma later found expression on TV3’s Music Music, where he connected with audiences across television and live events.

Transitioning from media personality to business leader, Bola Ray has built an enduring legacy as the Chief Executive Officer of EIB Network, home to Starr FM, GHOne TV, and Live FM. Under his leadership, the group has become a model of media innovation in West Africa. Through his events company, Empire Entertainment, he also founded the Ghana Meets Naija concert, a cultural exchange that helped bridge Ghanaian and Nigerian music long before Afrobeats became a global movement.

The official citation highlights his “distinguished service to the creative and media industries, visionary leadership, and commitment to building sustainable systems that empower young creatives.” It further recognises his role in promoting African culture and fostering cross-border collaboration in entertainment.

Bola Ray’s influence extends beyond broadcasting and events. His 2021 memoir, It Is Possible, offers deep insights into his career and serves as an inspirational guide for emerging creatives and entrepreneurs. His philosophy of “building systems, not moments” continues to shape his approach to business and leadership.

In a recent milestone, Bola Ray was appointed Brand Ambassador for GoldBod Jewellery, a subsidiary of the Ghana Gold Board, merging his personal brand with Ghana’s gold and luxury export story.

As the first figure to be immortalised in The Creatives’ Space of Fame, Bola Ray’s recognition reflects more than two decades of influence and innovation. It also signals a new chapter in Ghana’s creative journey, one that honours builders, not just performers, and recognises those whose vision continues to elevate the industry for generations to come.