Pay musicians what they deserve – Akufo Addo to event organizers

President Akufo-Addo expressed concern that our talented artists, who create music, drama, and films, often don’t receive enough financial rewards. He spoke at an Africa cinema summit in Accra, where industry stakeholders from Ghana, Africa, and around the world gathered. The President called for stronger copyright laws to protect artists.

To address this issue, the government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and the National Film Authority, launched a $25 million initiative. This effort involves producers, distributors, marketers, and investors and aims to enhance the local film industry, creating around 6000 jobs.

Additionally, the government is investing €45 million to transform the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) into a top-notch training facility. NAFTI will offer specialized courses in scriptwriting and the business of film, issuing its own degrees under the University of Media Arts. The President encouraged youth, especially women, to seize these opportunities.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that every aspect of African life tells a story, from fabrics to crafts, music, films, and festivals. Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, including forts, castles, and national parks, can be showcased in films for tourism promotion. The country’s political stability and secure environment, as recognized by the World Economic Forum, position Ghana as a preferred film and tourism hub.

The CEO of the Ghana Film Authority, Juliet Asantewaa Asante, urged stakeholders to create content appealing to Africa’s youthful population. She highlighted the importance of more cinemas, which would attract investment, generate jobs, and boost economic activities. Without such infrastructure, she argued, Africa would continue to be mere spectators in the global film industry.