President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major financial commitment to Ghana’s creative arts and tourism sectors, unveiling a GH₵40 million support package aimed at revitalising the film industry and strengthening the broader creative economy.
The announcement was made during the 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered in Parliament on Friday, February 27.
In his address, President Mahama assured stakeholders in the arts, culture, and tourism industries of his personal dedication to promoting Ghana as a leading destination for creativity and cultural excellence. He declared that he would serve as a direct advocate for the sector, underscoring the importance of creative arts as a pillar of national development.
“I will be your personal ambassador for the promotion of tourism and the creative sector,” he emphasised, drawing applause from members of the House.
As part of the initiative, the government has allocated GH₵20 million specifically to support the film industry. The funding will target key segments of Ghana’s movie production landscape, including Kumawood, Ghallywood, and other emerging film communities across the country. The President stated that the financial injection is intended to revitalise local productions, improve technical standards, and create employment opportunities for actors, directors, producers, and other industry professionals.
“This GH₵20 million is going to the film sector to support Kumawood, Ghallywood, and all the ‘woods,’” he said, highlighting the inclusive nature of the funding.
An additional GH₵20 million has been earmarked for other creative sectors such as music, fashion, visual arts, and digital content creation. According to the President, this funding is designed to stimulate innovation, expand market access, and enhance the global competitiveness of Ghanaian creatives.
“Another 20 million has been given for the other creative sectors. I believe that this injection of money will bolster our creative sectors,” he added.
Beyond the financial allocation, President Mahama also reiterated plans to refurbish the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), a key venue for conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment events. The renovation is expected to modernise the facility and restore its status as a premier destination for national and international gatherings. The move aligns with broader efforts to position Ghana as a hub for meetings, conferences, and creative events in West Africa.
The President stressed that investing in creative arts and tourism goes beyond cultural promotion; it is a strategic economic decision. The creative economy has the potential to generate significant employment, particularly for young people, while boosting foreign exchange earnings and strengthening Ghana’s global image.
Industry stakeholders have long called for increased government support, citing funding gaps and infrastructure challenges as barriers to growth. The GH₵40 million allocation signals a renewed policy direction that places arts and tourism at the centre of Ghana’s economic transformation agenda.
If effectively implemented, the initiative could mark a turning point for the sector, empowering local talent, attracting international collaborations, and positioning Ghana’s creative industries as powerful drivers of sustainable national development.
