The Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, recently engaged in a fruitful discussion with renowned actor Idris Elba and his team, highlighting the growing creative arts economy in Africa. This meeting, marked by enthusiasm and collaboration, aimed to address the crucial issue of financial inclusion for Ghanaian artists and to devise innovative strategies for their integration into the global financial landscape.

One of the pressing challenges faced by artists based in Africa is the hindrance they encounter in receiving global payments. To tackle this obstacle, the discussion centered on implementing a new system that harnesses blockchain technology. This cutting-edge solution holds the promise of ensuring fair compensation for the artistic endeavors of Ghanaian creators on a global scale.

Plans are underway to roll out this initiative in Ghana later this year, marking a significant step forward in empowering African artists and fostering the growth of the creative economy on the continent. The commitment demonstrated by Idris Elba towards the advancement of the African creative arts economy is commendable. He has become a leader in advocating for the countless talented artists seeking recognition and supported. With collaborative efforts such as these, Africa’s creative sector is poised for a transformative journey towards prosperity and recognition on the global stage.

  Ghana’s Creative Community Network brought together people in the creative industry based in Ghana and the diaspora.  This year’s event was themed, ‘Cracking the Creative Code’ and featured Dance Instructor, Vivien Boateng, Actress and Producer, Ama K. Abebrese, Production Coordinator and Producer, Glenn Callwood, Director, Publicist and Journalist,  Nene Kabutey Lander, African Diaspora Ecosystem Architect, Kwabena Boateng, Actor and Producer, Joseph Otsiman, Actress and Model Marie Humbert and Gaffer, Donyelle Manigo.

  It was a virtual event via Zoom and touched on the many aspects of being a creative person as an African, Ghanaian and diasporan.  They spoke on opportunities and how digital media has helped to break down barriers for people in the creative industries.  They also touched on some of the challenges.  Ama K. Abebrese spoke on what it’s like as a Black woman in the U.K. and competeting in a media landscape where there’s not room for many dark skinned black women to take on roles.  She spoke on transitioning to Ghana from the U.K. and realizing that there was more diversity in television in the West African market.  

  Conversations touched in important topics like the potential of policies that could be created for African filmmakers.  It was an interactive session that opened up the dialogue for creatives to exchange ideas and collaborate to create new agendas for their industries as it would benefit people of African descent. 

  Watch the full event in the YouTube video above.