Creative Arts Minister calls for greater investment in creative sector

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie has called for a shift in national mindset to recognise creative professionals as key contributors to development.

She cited persistent challenges in attracting corporate sponsorship and the continued undervaluation of practitioners, particularly in niche areas such as choral and children-focused productions.

The Minister made the call during a meeting with the Harmonious Chorale, where discussions centred on the group’s upcoming international engagement and broader issues affecting Ghana’s creative industry.

She highlighted systemic difficulties within the sector, noting that many creative professionals struggle to secure corporate sponsorship due to limited appreciation of the industry’s economic and cultural value.

This, she explained, has contributed to inadequate compensation and the marginalisation of creatives despite their contributions to national identity and global representation.

According to the Minister, a deliberate shift in perspective is required to position the creative arts as a viable and essential component of national development.

She stressed the need for stronger investment and institutional backing to enable practitioners to thrive and to project Ghana’s cultural heritage more effectively on the global stage.

While acknowledging these structural challenges, the Minister commended the Harmonious Chorale for its professionalism and international achievements, noting that the group has consistently upheld high standards in representing Ghana abroad.

She, however, emphasised the importance of formal and structured engagement with the Ministry, urging stakeholders to submit written proposals well in advance of engagements.

This, she said, would ensure proper coordination within the Ministry’s administrative framework and promote continuity beyond individual officeholders.

Harmonious Chorale, led by Amanda Efua Abrokwah, briefed the Ministry on its activities, achievements, and upcoming participation in the Festival of Orthodox Church Music in Poland.

The choir which she described as a strong Ghanaian brand with nearly two decades of experience, has played a significant role in promoting choral music both locally and internationally.

The group revealed that it has been invited, rather than having applied, to participate in the festival for the second time, following its impressive performance at the 2019 edition, where it was the only African choir featured.

As part of its plans, the choir is scheduled to travel in June, with a stopover in Amsterdam for additional engagements.

The group is seeking the Ministry’s support in facilitating introductions to Ghana’s embassies in Poland and the Netherlands, as well as assistance with funding and official documentation to support visa applications.

The Harmonious Chorale also highlighted the challenge of limited corporate sponsorship for choral music in Ghana, noting that although it has made efforts to mobilise funds independently, additional support is needed to fully execute its international engagements.

In response, the Minister pledged the Ministry’s support by offering to provide official letters of recommendation to strengthen the group’s fundraising efforts and engagement with potential sponsors.

Present at the meeting were Director of Human Resources, Vitus Otto Langmagne; Director of Finance and Administration, Christiana Akrong; Director of Culture, Dr. Richardson Commey Fio; and the Director of Tourism, Dr. Geoffery Tamakloe.