Francis Doku advocates for a national arts calendar for Ghana

Tourism enthusiast and communication professional Francis Doku has stressed the importance of establishing a national arts calendar to promote and celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

According to him, a well-structured arts calendar would serve as a comprehensive platform for showcasing the country’s diverse artistic talents, festivals, and events. This, he believes, would not only enhance Ghana’s creative industry but also increase its global recognition.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on his expectations for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s initiatives in tourism, arts, and entertainment, Mr. Doku expressed confidence in Ghana’s potential to become a leading hub for African creativity. He emphasized that a vibrant national arts calendar is essential in unlocking this potential.

“Establishing a well-structured arts calendar with flagship national events can promote tourism and position Ghana as a hub of African creativity,” he stated.

He further highlighted the importance of government support for key events such as the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC), film festivals, music awards, and art exhibitions to ensure their sustainability and long-term impact.

Doku outlined the numerous benefits of a structured arts calendar, including:
✅ Boosting tourism
✅ Encouraging cultural exchange
✅ Driving economic growth
✅ Strengthening global visibility

He urged the government to invest in the arts sector, positioning Ghana as a center for African creativity and enabling the country to reap its full benefits.

Additionally, Mr. Doku presented a comprehensive agenda for the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, emphasizing the need for policy implementation and institutional strengthening. He called for the establishment of purpose-built infrastructure, such as:
🎭 Theatres
🎶 Music recording studios
🖼️ Art galleries
🎬 Film villages in regional capitals

“Such facilities will not only nurture talent but also serve as key venues to showcase Ghanaian creativity to the world,” he remarked.

Following Parliament’s approval of Madam Dzifa Gomashie as Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts on Thursday, January 23, the creative industry is eager to see how the new administration will support their sector.

One of the key expectations from stakeholders has been empowering the Creative Arts Agency (CAA). Madam Gomashie, during her vetting, promised to thoroughly evaluate the agency’s operations to ensure alignment with the ministry’s objectives.

While Mr. Doku agreed on strengthening the CAA, he emphasized that access to funding remains a major challenge for creative entrepreneurs.

“The government should fulfill its promise of establishing a Creative Arts Fund, backed by partnerships with financial institutions, to provide grants and low-interest loans to artists and industry players,” he urged.

As Ghana’s creative sector anticipates new policy directions, industry players remain hopeful that the government will prioritize their needs and foster sustainable growth.

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