A bill that seeks to create a legal framework for the establishment of a fund to support the creative arts industry is being finalised by the government, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said.
The Creative Arts Bill, when ready, will be taken to Parliament to be passed into an act for the fund to be established.
Speaking at the Presidential Grand Ball organised by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSICA) on Sunday night, President Akufo-Addo said the fund would provide backing for creative projects in the country.
The event was used to celebrate the lives of musicians and honour corporate bodies who have contributed to the development of Ghanaian music.
Music legends, who received Lifetime Achievers Awards were Pat Thomas, Asabea Cropper, Naa Amanua of Wulomei fame, Abikyereba Kofi Sammy, Kofi Abraham, and Kwadwo Akwaboah
Telecommunications company, Vodafone, and 4syte television, were also awarded for supporting the growth of the music industry
While acknowledging the important role of musicians in the country, President Akufo-Addo expressed the government’s commitment to giving the music industry the needed support to sustain its growth and development.
He said the industry was abound with talents and promised to “give the music industry the boost to enable it reach its potential”.
According to the President, the quality of the talents nominated for the Song of the Year category of the upcoming Music Awards attested to the potential of the country’s music industry.
He, however, urged the organisers of the event to recognise the contribution of female musicians to the growth of the music industry for such awards in future.
President Akufo-Addo said last year, the government, for the first time, provided support to the Creative Arts Council and added that work was ongoing towards the completion of the Kumasi Theatre, while the Eastern Region Theatre had already been completed.
He commended the MUSIGA, headed by Obuor, for establishing the Ageing Musician Welfare Endowment Fund, and made a contribution of GH¢50,000 to the fund.
The outgoing president of MUSIGA, Obuor, thanked the President for his commitment and contribution to the development of music and the creative arts industry in the country.
He announced a plan by MUSIGA to support the President’s fight against corruption with a campaign being sponsored by Star Ghana.
By Yaw Kyei
