Mahama Already Spoke on Creative Arts Funding; No Need to Mention It in Mid-Year Review – Attractive Mustapha

Ghanaian journalist and blogger Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah, popularly known as Attractive Mustapha, says there was no compelling reason for the Minister for Finance to revisit issues relating to the creative arts sector during the 2026 Mid‑Year Budget Review, insisting that government’s position on funding for the industry had already been clearly outlined by President John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking on Accra FM’s entertainment programme hosted by Prince Benjamin, Attractive Mustapha explained that mid‑year budget reviews are primarily meant to assess macroeconomic performance, fiscal outcomes, revenue mobilisation, expenditure execution, and any major policy adjustments.

According to him, such reviews do not necessarily revisit every budget allocation—especially where there have been no new policy changes, no supplementary appropriations, and no implementation challenges requiring parliamentary approval.

He argued that the absence of creative arts references in the Finance Minister’s presentation should not be interpreted as government neglect, noting that President Mahama had already provided a comprehensive roadmap for investment in the sector earlier in the year.

President Mahama’s Funding Commitments

Attractive Mustapha recalled that during the farewell ceremony for outgoing Swiss Ambassador Simone Giger, President Mahama announced a GH¢40 million allocation to the creative industry—split equally between the Film Fund and the Creative Arts Fund.

The President further disclosed an additional GH¢20 million dedicated solely to the Creative Arts Fund to support practitioners across the broader creative economy, while allowing industry stakeholders to determine the most effective use of the resources.

President Mahama also indicated that future allocations would be performance‑based:

“Depending on how effectively the funds are used, Government will consider increasing allocations in subsequent years.”

He stressed that Ghana possesses exceptional creative talent that can only reach its full economic and cultural potential through deliberate public investment.

No Need for Repetition in Mid‑Year Review

According to Attractive Mustapha, the President had already presented a clear policy direction, making it unnecessary for the Finance Minister to repeat the same commitments during the Mid‑Year Budget Review.

He noted that from a fiscal management standpoint, the Finance Minister’s responsibility during a mid‑year review is to report on economic performance and budget adjustments, not to restate sector‑specific policies that remain unchanged.

“Unless there is a new policy intervention or an additional allocation, there is no requirement for the Finance Minister to revisit the same subject during the mid‑year review,” he explained.

Government’s Long‑Term Creative Arts Strategy

He further highlighted that President Mahama had assured industry players of strategic investments over the next three years, aimed at expanding tourism, promoting Ghanaian culture, creating jobs and strengthening Ghana’s global cultural brand.

While acknowledging concerns raised by some stakeholders, Attractive Mustapha maintained that practitioners have every democratic right to express their views—but urged that such engagements be constructive and balanced.

“It should not be portrayed as though President Mahama has abandoned the creative arts sector when, in fact, his administration has made one of the most significant financial commitments to the industry in recent history,” he said.

Mahama’s Legacy in Creative Arts Support

Concluding his remarks, Attractive Mustapha described President Mahama as one of Ghana’s strongest presidential advocates for the creative industry.

“On record, apart from Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, no President in the history of the Fourth Republic has demonstrated the level of commitment, appreciation and practical support for the creative arts sector as President John Dramani Mahama has done.”

He expressed optimism that the government’s planned investments—if managed efficiently and transparently—would accelerate the growth of Ghana’s creative economy and position the country as a leading cultural and creative hub in Africa.