President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to personally champion Ghana’s creative arts and tourism sectors, announcing significant financial support aimed at strengthening the nation’s film industry and wider creative economy.
Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address on Friday, February 27, the President assured stakeholders in the creative sector and the Ministry of Tourism of his direct commitment to promoting Ghana’s arts, culture, and tourism both locally and internationally.
“I will be your personal ambassador for the promotion of tourism and the creative sector,” he emphasised, underscoring his administration’s renewed focus on the industry.
As part of the initiative, government has allocated GH₵20 million to the film industry and another GH₵20 million to other creative sectors. The funding is expected to provide targeted support to filmmakers, production houses, content creators, musicians, designers, and other creative professionals across the country.
“This GH₵20 million is going to the film sector to support Kumawood, Ghallywood, and all the ‘woods,’” he said, referring to Ghana’s major local movie production hubs.
“Another 20 million has been given for the other creative sectors. I believe that this injection of money will bolster our creative sectors.”
The President explained that the investment is intended to enhance production capacity, improve quality standards, and increase the global competitiveness of Ghanaian creative outputs. By strengthening the industry, the government aims to generate employment opportunities, especially for young people, while boosting income within the entertainment and cultural ecosystem.
In addition to the financial allocation, Mahama highlighted plans to refurbish the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The renovation project is designed to restore the facility as a premier venue for national and international conferences, exhibitions, and high-profile events.
The refurbishment aligns with broader efforts to position Ghana as a leading destination for global gatherings, cultural festivals, and creative showcases. Improved infrastructure, the President noted, will enhance the country’s appeal to international organisers and investors.
The combined financial support and infrastructure upgrades form part of a strategic push to make Ghana’s creative economy and tourism sectors key drivers of national development. Government believes that sustained investment in arts and culture can contribute significantly to economic diversification, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation.
Industry stakeholders have long advocated for stronger policy backing and financial assistance to address structural challenges within the sector. The latest announcement signals a renewed commitment to ensuring that creativity plays a central role in Ghana’s economic transformation agenda.
With the new funding and infrastructure plans, the administration aims to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s creative industries and strengthen the country’s global cultural footprint.
