‎Creative Arts Agency Board Engages Lands Minister Over Welfare Project for Aged Creatives

The Governing Board of the Creative Arts Agency has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to advance discussions on a major welfare initiative aimed at improving the living conditions of aged and needy persons within Ghana's creative arts industry.

The delegation was led by the Chair of the Governing Board, Mr. Anthony Obeng Afrane, and the engagement focused on collaborative efforts to support vulnerable members of the creative arts community who, after years of dedicated service to the growth and promotion of Ghana's culture and creative economy, now face challenges in their later years.

At the heart of the discussions was President John Dramani Mahama's legacy project, which seeks to provide care and shelter for aged, vulnerable and needy creative arts practitioners. The project is envisioned as a lasting intervention to honour and support legends and practitioners who have contributed significantly to Ghana's creative identity but lack adequate social protection and decent living conditions in old age.

Mr. Afrane, speaking on behalf of the Board, highlighted the urgent need for a structured and sustainable welfare system for creative arts persons. He noted that many veterans in music, film, theatre, visual arts, fashion and other creative disciplines have struggled with poor accommodation, limited healthcare and financial insecurity after their active years. He stressed that while these individuals helped shape Ghana's cultural heritage and projected the nation's image globally, many have been left without sufficient support.

He explained that the legacy project seeks to address this gap by establishing dedicated facilities that will offer shelter, healthcare, and social support services for aged and vulnerable creatives. According to him, the initiative is not merely about charity but about recognition, dignity and justice for those who built the foundation of the industry that continues to inspire and employ thousands of young Ghanaians today.

Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah welcomed the delegation and commended the Governing Board for its commitment to the welfare of creative arts practitioners. He described the initiative as timely and aligned with government's broader agenda of inclusive development and social equity. He assured the Board of the Ministry's willingness to explore avenues of collaboration, particularly in relation to land acquisition and allocation for the construction of shelter facilities.

The Minister noted that the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry plays a critical role in national development through the sustainable management and allocation of land resources for projects of social and economic importance. He indicated that supporting a project dedicated to the care of aged creatives would be a meaningful contribution to national cultural preservation and social welfare.

He further emphasised that President Mahama's commitment to the welfare of creative arts persons reflects a deep appreciation of the role of arts and culture in national development. He added that ensuring that veterans live in dignity is a national responsibility that requires inter-ministerial collaboration and private sector participation.

Both parties agreed on the need for sustained dialogue and technical engagement to translate the vision into a concrete and implementable project. They expressed optimism that with the necessary support and partnership, the legacy project would become a beacon of hope for Ghana's creative community and a model for similar welfare interventions across other sectors.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to work together to ensure that no creative arts veteran is left behind, and that the contributions of Ghana's cultural heroes are honoured with tangible care and support in their twilight years.