Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance, has disclosed that the government of Ghana will allocate GH¢40 million to the Creative Arts and Film Fund for 2026.
The Minister announced this during his presentation of the 2026 Fiscal Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government to Parliament on the theme: “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation.”
During his presentation on Thursday November 13, 2025, Dr. Ato Forson noted that the funding was aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s creative disciplines (Culture, Fashion, Visual Arts, Film, Music).
“Mr. Speaker, government has allocated an amount of GH¢20M to the creative arts fund as seed money for arts, music, fashion, food and other creative sectors,” he said.
In addition to supporting the creative arts, the minister noted the the budget sets aside another GH¢20 million to boost the film sector through the Film Fund. This initiative will provide filmmakers, producers, and creative entrepreneurs with the vital aid needed to overcome financing and distribution hurdles.
“The government will establish the Film Fund to revive the film industry such as Kumawood and other film associations,” Dr. Ato Forson stated.
Dr. Ato Forson noted that government’s investment in the creative sector also includes plans to revamp the National Theatre and establish another one in Kumasi.
“Mr. Speaker, in 2026, government will rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra. We will also commence site acquisition and design of a second national theatre in Kumasi, to support regional artistic growth, and provide opportunities for creatives across the country, the Minister declared.
These investments falls in line with President Mahama’s initiative, the Black Star Experience (BSE), which aims to stimulate economic growth in the creative sector, attract foreign investment, generate employment opportunities, and promote Ghana’s unique cultural identity globally through its seven pillars (Cinema, Audio, Cuisine, Aesthetics, Style, Literature, and Heritage).