"Don't Get Carried Away": Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo Questions GH¢40 Million Creative Arts Allocation | Discuss Ghana

Entertainment pundit and journalist Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has called for caution and clarity regarding the GH¢40 million allocation to the creative arts industry announced during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

While many in the sector have celebrated the figure, Asamoah-Baidoo urged stakeholders to "not get carried away" until the specific breakdown and intended use of the funds are made public.

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Seeking Transparency and Specifics

Asamoah-Baidoo’s critique centers on the need for a clear roadmap to ensure the funds reach the grassroots and impactful projects rather than being swallowed by administrative costs:

The Allocation: President John Dramani Mahama announced the GH¢40 million injection as part of the government’s commitment to boosting the "Orange Economy".

The Question of Intent: Arnold questioned whether the money is meant for infrastructure (such as theaters), direct grants to artists, or promotional events like the Year of Return initiatives.

Historical Skepticism: He referenced previous government allocations to the sector that faced criticism for lack of transparency and inequitable distribution among various creative domains.

Focus on Sustainability: The pundit argued that without a structured plan, the GH¢40 million could become a "one-off" expenditure rather than a catalyst for long-term industrial growth.