Gov’t gives creative industry GH¢3M in 2013 budget

The Government has increased its budgetary allocation to the creative industry in the 2013 budget affirming a promise made to the sector last year.

Government for the first time made an allocation of GH¢2 million in the 2012 budget for the creative industry.

Disagreement erupted after it emerged that only members of the musicians union accessed the funds. Some players in the movie industry were unhappy.

Following the disagreements over the money, President John Dramani Mahama speaking at a meeting with selected members of the creative industry at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi ahead of the 2012 general elections, promised to increase government's budgetary allocation to the sector in order that many will benefit from the support.

He said, “I am just assuring that we are going make another budgetary allocation more than the amount [that was given] and you have to collectively come out with a blue print for investing it in the best way that will serve our purpose.”

True to Government’s promise, the Finance Minister, Seth Terkper presenting the 2013 budget to Parliament Tuesday disclosed that the Government has allocated an amount of GH¢3 million to better the lot of the industry.

The Minister said, “The Government recognizes the potentials of the Creative Industries to shape and reinforce Ghana’s economic growth. The creative economy is the complex interaction between culture, economics and technology.”

“The emerging creative economy has become a leading component of economic growth, employment, trade and innovation, and social cohesion in many countries,” he added.

Seth Terkper said, “Government will facilitate the development of cultural villages and enclaves as a critical appendage to tourism which is fast gaining economic relevance as a source of revenue generation and employment creation.”

In the light of that, “The creative arts industry will be supported with GH¢3 million in 2013,” he added.