Nana Kwame Bediako, Leader and Presidential Aspirant for The New Force, has launched a 12-point policy aimed at boosting Ghana’s creative economy. The policy, unveiled during a virtual launch on September 1, 2024, focuses on music, film, fashion, and art.
Bediako dedicated his 12th Apostolic Governance pillar to the arts and culture, emphasizing the need for an ultra-modern film studio in Ghana. “We need to build a world-class studio. Ghana is the Blackstar of Africa. This studio needs to be in Ghana. We need to build that studio, that Hollywood-type studio, that Tyler Perry studio type – and that is what is going to attract the market from other countries,” he said.
The policy also highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights for content creators. “We are talking from bloggers, influencers, YouTubers, authors, painters, musicians, music software, filmmakers, software licenses, all of this, we have to protect them. We have to claim the royalties and we have to make sure that it is circulating in the economy,” Bediako added.
To combat piracy, Bediako suggested collaboration between National Security, the National Communications Authority, and the cyber security department. “That is the biggest corruption in this area. And I know the likes of all the musicians in this country right now, artistes, and everybody you need this. I need it for you too. We need to clamp it down so we can get our real income; our real royalties will come to us, without people interjecting or intercepting the funds before it gets to us.”
Bediako also touched on the fashion industry, stating that with production and marketing power, it can greatly benefit the nation. “Fashion is important. The way you dress is the way you are addressed. We have to create a world-class art gallery for the African art and culture. And this comes together, it comes together with the people. You have to mix the two. Mix the pattern, the plan and the production.”
The policy launch comes ahead of the Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable on September 14, 2024, where stakeholders in Ghana’s tourism, arts, and culture will gather to discuss policy ideas for the creative economy. The event will air live on Joy FM and Joy Prime from 2 PM to 6 PM.
