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Government to Reform Cultural and Creative Progress Policies: A New Era for Ghana

By Life Pulse Daily | Published: 2025-12-24

Introduction

In a significant move poised to reshape the nation’s economic landscape, the Ghanaian government has announced a comprehensive review of its cultural and creative industry policies. This strategic initiative aims to modernize outdated regulations and unlock the full potential of Ghana’s creative economy. Spearheaded by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the reform targets the revitalization of the creative arts sector and its integration into national development plans. This article explores the details of this announcement, the economic impact of the sector, and what these changes mean for stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and the youth.

Key Points

Background

The announcement was made during the third sitting of the second session of the 25th Congregation Ceremony of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra. The event, themed “From heritage to creative futures: Reimagining development through creative education and enterprise,” served as the backdrop for a pivotal discussion on the intersection of education, culture, and economic growth.

Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that the government recognizes the urgent need to update legal frameworks that have historically hindered the growth of the creative arts industry. She noted that previous regulations were often outdated and did not reflect the dynamic nature of the modern global creative economy.

GIMPA’s leadership, including the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Yaw Agyeman Badu, and the Rector, Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, used the platform to highlight the institution’s role in producing leaders for both the public and private sectors. They underscored the importance of academic institutions adapting to changing national needs, particularly in the realm of creative education.

Analysis

The move to reform cultural and creative arts policies represents a paradigm shift in how Ghana views its cultural assets. For decades, the creative sector was often relegated to the sidelines of economic planning. However, the data speaks for itself: a contribution of US$4.8 billion to the GDP indicates that this sector is not merely a pastime but a robust economic engine.

Aligning with Global Trends

Minister Gomashie emphasized that the new policies will align with multinational tendencies while reflecting Ghana’s local realities. This dual focus is crucial. To compete globally, Ghana must adopt international best practices regarding intellectual property, digital distribution, and export of cultural goods. However, the policy must also protect indigenous knowledge and unique Ghanaian traditions, which are the very products that attract international tourists and buyers. This balance is the cornerstone of a sustainable creative economy.

The Role of Education and Enterprise

The theme of the GIMPA congregation highlights a critical realization: heritage alone is not enough. To transition from “heritage to creative futures,” there must be a strong emphasis on enterprise. The government is signaling that cultural preservation must be paired with business acumen. This involves training artists to be entrepreneurs, protecting their work through legal frameworks, and creating market linkages.

The announcement of the new School of Creative Arts Leadership and Enterprise (G-SCALE) by GIMPA is a direct response to this need. It acknowledges that the skills gap in the creative sector is not just artistic—it is managerial and technological.

Tourism as a Cultural Bridge

The Minister described tourism as the “important hyperlink between Ghana’s cultural heritage and multinational stories.” This is particularly relevant to the “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives, which have successfully leveraged the African diaspora. By attracting 1.2 million visitors, the sector has proven that Ghana’s authenticity and shared African identity are powerful marketable assets. The policy reforms aim to make it easier for these visitors to interact with the creative economy, from art galleries to film festivals.

Practical Advice

For stakeholders in the creative arts, these developments offer actionable pathways for growth and engagement.

For Creative Entrepreneurs and Artists

1. Focus on Formalization: As the government reviews regulations, now is the time to formalize your operations. Ensure your businesses are registered and you are compliant with tax laws. This will position you to benefit from any government grants or incentives that may arise from the new policies.

2. Protect Your Intellectual Property (IP): With the emphasis on aligning with multinational standards, ensure your work is copyrighted. Utilize the Ghana Copyright Office to register your music, art, scripts, and designs.

3. Digital Integration: Prof. Bonsu mentioned GIMPA’s focus on digital transformation and AI. Creative entrepreneurs should likewise embrace digital tools to distribute their work globally, moving beyond physical sales to streaming platforms, digital galleries, and NFTs where applicable.

For Graduates and Academia

1. Engage in Research: Minister Gomashie invited graduates to partner with the government through research. Students of public policy, economics, and arts management should conduct studies on the creative economy to provide data-driven solutions for the new policy frameworks.

2. Seek Internships and Partnerships: The new G-SCALE school will require faculty and industry experts. Graduates with a passion for the arts should look for opportunities to teach, mentor, or work within this emerging ecosystem.

For Policy Makers and Investors

1. Invest in Infrastructure: The US$4.8 billion contribution suggests a high return on investment. Investors should look at building theaters, recording studios, and digital hubs.

2. Streamline Licensing: One of the barriers to creative growth is often bureaucratic red tape. The reform should aim to digitize and simplify the licensing process for events and creative businesses.

FAQ

Conclusion

The government’s decision to reform cultural and creative progress policies marks a pivotal moment for Ghana. By moving away from outdated regulations and embracing a modern, inclusive, and sustainable approach, Ghana is positioning its creative sector as a central pillar of national development. The collaboration between the Ministry, educational institutions like GIMPA, and the creative community promises a future where Ghanaian heritage fuels innovative economic growth. As the new policies take shape and institutions like G-SCALE prepare to open their doors, the stage is set for a vibrant revival of Ghana’s creative economy.