Mahama promises tax exemptions for musicians and a dedicated creative arts TV channel

Former President and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has promised to establish a dedicated paid television channel for the country’s ‘ailing’ creative industry if he wins the December 7 presidential election.

According to him, the new TV channel will focus only on Creative Arts events in Ghana. He added that the channel will also help young and talented Ghanaians showcase their creative works to the public and the world.

“As part of our plans for the creative arts industry, we intend to set up a paid television channel specifically for creative arts events. We want to provide a platform for our talented artists to showcase their work and reach a wider audience,” John Mahama said at a meeting with sector players.

John Mahama also said the next NDC government has plans to renovate the dilapidated Arts and Culture centres across the country, give tax holidays to creatives who have Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) and show Ghanaian movies at both local and international film festivals to afford them exposure at every stage.

He added that with the plans of the NDC, the creative arts industry will be elevated to its well-deserved spot to empower the teaming youths of the country who are boiling with anger over the bad governance of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to pursue their passion.

“Additionally, we have outlined over 20 policy ideas for arts and tourism, including renovating Centres of Arts and Culture, showcasing Ghanaian films at film festivals, and providing tax breaks for creative artists with Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).

“I am confident that with the right policies, investment, and support, we can elevate the creative arts industry and empower our youth to pursue their passions while contributing to the growth of our economy,” he stated.