Election 2024: Bawumia, Mahama, Alan and Nana Kwame Bediako's Policies for Creative Arts Industry

As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, the spotlight is on the creative arts industry, a sector ripe with potential yet in need of substantial support and development. Four key candidates have presented their proposals to uplift this vibrant industry: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, John Dramani Mahama, Alan Kyerematen, and Nana Kwame Bediako (Cheddar).

We delve into their policies, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and determine which candidate offers the most promising future for Ghana’s creative arts sector.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s Policis for The Creative Arts Inductry 

Tax Incentives: Dr. Bawumia proposes tax rebates for film producers and musicians, a move aimed at encouraging investment and growth within these specific areas of the creative arts.

Digital and Streaming Platforms: He emphasizes creating digital platforms to make Ghanaian artists' work globally accessible, thus increasing revenue streams and international visibility.

Building on Existing Campaigns: Continuing successful initiatives like ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ is a core part of his strategy to boost tourism and cultural pride.

E-Visa Policy: Implementing an e-visa policy aims to facilitate easier access for international visitors, enhancing tourism and creative arts activities.

Blockchain for Financial Inclusion: Dr. Bawumia plans to introduce blockchain technology to ensure fair payment for creatives globally, integrating them into the worldwide financial ecosystem.

Infrastructure Development: While he mentions enhancing infrastructure to support various artistic activities, specific details are lacking.

Strengths:

• Digital innovation and global accessibility.
• Financial inclusion via blockchain.
• Building on proven tourism campaigns.

Weaknesses:

• Limited focus within the creative arts.
• Lacks detailed infrastructure plans.

Overall Rating: 7/10

John Dramani Mahama’s Policis for The Creative Arts Inductry 

Budgetary Allocation: Mahama promises dedicated funding for the creative arts sector, ensuring financial support for its development.

Golden Age of Culture, Arts, and Tourism: This overarching policy, including the BlackStar Experience, aims to promote job creation and cultural pride.

Renovation of Arts and Culture Centers: Upgrading facilities across regions to support local talent is a key part of his proposal.

Streamlining Copyright and IP Laws: Enhancing intellectual property protection is crucial for the creative arts industry, and Mahama’s focus on this is commendable.

Film Festivals and Arts Events: Organizing film festivals, arts exhibitions, music shows, and fashion programs to showcase Ghanaian talent.

Support for Drama and Theatre Arts: Providing resources for playwrights and theatre productions to flourish.

Strengths:

• Comprehensive infrastructure plans.
• Broad financial support and incentives.
• Integration of arts into education.

Weaknesses:

• Ambitious scope may face implementation challenges.
• High dependency on government funding.

Overall Rating: 7.3/10

Alan Kyerematen’s Policis for The Creative Arts Inductry 

Development of the Creative Industry: Emphasizing the centrality of the creative industry in new tourism sector reforms.

Private Sector Investments: Encouraging private sector investments to develop world-class tourism infrastructure.

Cultural Integration: Leveraging cultural activities to boost tourism and promote Ghana’s heritage.

Digital Mainstreaming: Integrating digital technologies in government and public sector activities.

Strengths:

• Focus on private sector investment.
• Emphasis on digital integration.

Weaknesses:

• Broad and less detailed proposals.
• Reliant on private sector interest and cooperation.

Overall Rating: 6.75/10

Nana Kwame Bediako’s (Cheddar) Policis for The Creative Arts Inductry 

Regional Multiplexes and District Cinemas: Establishing state-of-the-art multiplexes and cinemas across regions and districts.

Rural Mobile Viewing Centers: Deploying mobile viewing centers to rural areas for screening films and educational content.

Digital Platforms and Streaming Services: Developing digital platforms and streaming services for Ghanaian content.

Technical Training Programs: Implementing comprehensive training programs in various aspects of film production.

Mentorship and Incubation Centers: Establishing mentorship programs and incubation centers for aspiring filmmakers and entrepreneurs.

Strengths:

• Detailed infrastructure and training plans.
• Focus on both urban and rural accessibility.
• Emphasis on digital platforms.

Weaknesses:

• Requires substantial funding and sustained support.
• Potential logistical challenges for mobile centers.

Overall Rating: 7.8/10

Conclusion

Nana Kwame Bediako (Cheddar) offers the most comprehensive and robust policies for Ghana’s creative arts industry. His detailed infrastructure and training plans, combined with a focus on both urban and rural areas, position his proposals as the most promising for the sector's future.

John Dramani Mahama follows closely, with strong infrastructure and financial support plans, though his proposals are more dependent on government funding and ambitious in scope.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stands out in digital innovation and financial inclusion but lacks comprehensive infrastructure details.

Alan Kyerematen has a solid focus on private sector investment and digital integration but falls short on detailed proposals and specificity.

Discover which 2024 presidential candidate offers the most comprehensive and promising policies for Ghana’s creative arts industry. An in-depth analysis of proposals by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, John Dramani Mahama, Alan Kyerematen, and Nana Kwame Bediako (Cheddar).

As the elections approach, it is crucial for stakeholders in the creative arts industry to advocate for policies that provide the support and resources necessary for the sector to thrive. By analyzing these proposals, we can better understand which candidate offers the most promising future for Ghana’s creative arts industry.