On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Ghana’s Creative Arts Agency (CAA) launched the pilot edition of its new youth-focused initiative to empower rising talents in the creative industry.
The initiative, titled “Inspire the Creative-in-Me! Project,” aims to break outdated perceptions about the arts, build confidence in young creatives, and offer mentorship for career development. It also forms part of the Agency’s broader goal to reposition Ghana’s fashion and creative industries as serious economic drivers—not just forms of entertainment.
The first edition, “The Fashion Dialogue Series with Linda Ampah,” took place at the Korle Gonno Community Library in Accra. The event brought together key players in Ghana’s fashion industry, including Cadling Fashions CEO Linda Ampah, designer and Ghana Culture Forum executive Beatrice “Bee” Arthur, and Fashion Forum Africa founder Makeba Nana Pokua Boateng.
In his remarks, Gideon Aryeequaye, Acting Executive Secretary of CAA, criticized how society undervalues the arts.
“It’s quite unfortunate that in a society where art shapes life, we still view it narrowly as just entertainment,” he said.
He emphasized that the Agency, aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s ‘Reset Agenda,’ is working to provide strategic support and an enabling environment for creatives. According to Aryeequaye, fashion represents the largest group within the creative space and deserves targeted investment.
“This project connects aspiring creatives with industry leaders through mentorship, masterclasses, and workshops,” he explained. “We want to build their confidence and skills so they can thrive in a formal creative economy.”
The Fashion Dialogue Series clearly reflected that vision. It allowed direct engagement between aspiring youth and seasoned professionals. Aryeequaye also pointed out the fashion industry’s vast potential in job creation and export value.
“Fashion in Ghana goes beyond appearance—it builds careers and futures,” he noted.
He linked the initiative to national cultural development policies under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. It also draws inspiration from President Mahama’s Black Star Experience, which promotes Ghana’s heritage globally.
Closing the session, Aryeequaye encouraged participants to dream big.
“Let this event be your springboard. The sky is only your beginning,” he declared.
The next session of the “Inspire the Creative-in-Me! Project” takes place on July 30, 2025, at the same venue. It will focus on fine art, particularly painting.