Ghanaian broadcaster Austine Woode has expressed dissatisfaction with Tourism Minister-designate Abla Dzifa Gomashie’s response during her vetting on January 22, 2025. Woode, speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, stated that he was shocked by her answer regarding the funding of the Creative Arts Fund, a crucial initiative aimed at supporting the country’s creative industries.
Woode, who had expected a more informed and detailed response from Gomashie, pointed out her failure to mention the 1% levy stipulated in the Creative Arts Industry Act, which is designed to sustain the fund. He also criticized her vague reference to learning from the banking sector on loan recovery as a strategy for managing the fund.
The minister-designate acknowledged the challenges facing the sector and promised to pay more attention to the Creative Arts Agency, emphasizing that she would review the agency’s functions closely if confirmed. She also spoke about the importance of sustaining the fund as outlined in the NDC’s manifesto.
Woode’s critique reflects ongoing concerns within the creative arts community about the leadership of the ministry and its approach to key industry issues.
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