Gideon Aryeequaye’s appointment as Acting Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency (CAA) marks a significant transition in Ghana’s cultural landscape. He succeeds Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, the agency’s inaugural leader, and assumes responsibility for steering the CAA towards its core mandate of fostering growth and development within the creative industry. This appointment arrives at a pivotal juncture, as the government seeks to strengthen the linkages between culture, tourism, and economic development, particularly through the Black Star Experience initiative. Aryeequaye’s background as the former Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) equips him with valuable experience in navigating the complexities of the tourism sector, a crucial asset in his new role. His leadership is expected to revitalize the CAA and align its operations with the broader national agenda of promoting Ghana as a vibrant cultural and tourist destination.
The Creative Arts Agency, established in 2020, serves as the primary regulatory and developmental body for Ghana’s creative industry. It provides the institutional framework for supporting and nurturing various creative disciplines, including music, film, visual arts, performing arts, and literary arts. The agency’s responsibilities encompass policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring, as well as the facilitation of access to resources, training, and market opportunities for creative practitioners. By providing this crucial support system, the CAA aims to empower creatives, enhance their professional development, and ultimately contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the creative economy in Ghana. The appointment of the Executive Secretary, a presidential prerogative, underscores the significance of the CAA’s role in the national development framework.
Aryeequaye’s appointment coincides with a critical review of the CAA’s operations, initiated by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie. This review, highlighted during her vetting process, signifies the government’s commitment to ensuring the agency’s effectiveness in achieving its objectives. The reassessment aims to analyze the CAA’s current structure, strategies, and performance, and identify areas for improvement to maximize its contribution to the nation’s cultural and economic advancement. The review process will likely involve consultations with stakeholders across the creative industry, including artists, industry associations, and policymakers, to gather diverse perspectives and ensure the agency’s responsiveness to the needs of the sector. The outcomes of this review are expected to shape the future direction of the CAA under Aryeequaye’s leadership.
The Black Star Experience, a key government initiative, serves as a crucial backdrop for Aryeequaye’s appointment. This initiative aims to leverage Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and artistic talent to enhance its tourism appeal and attract a wider global audience. By integrating cultural experiences, festivals, and artistic showcases into the tourism offering, the Black Star Experience seeks to create a more immersive and enriching experience for visitors. This initiative recognizes the intrinsic link between culture and tourism and aims to position Ghana as a premier destination for cultural tourism, thereby contributing to economic growth and job creation within the creative and tourism sectors. Aryeequaye’s experience in tourism development will be instrumental in aligning the CAA’s activities with the objectives of the Black Star Experience.
Aryeequaye’s mandate as Acting Executive Secretary encompasses a multifaceted approach to strengthening the creative industry. He is tasked with overseeing the daily operations of the CAA, ensuring its efficient functioning and effective implementation of its mandate. He will also play a key role in fostering collaboration between the creative industry and other relevant sectors, such as tourism, education, and trade, to create synergistic partnerships and maximize the economic impact of the creative economy. Furthermore, Aryeequaye is expected to champion the development of policies and programs that address the specific needs of creative practitioners, including access to funding, capacity building initiatives, and market access opportunities. His leadership will be crucial in driving innovation and promoting the growth of the creative industry as a vital contributor to Ghana’s economic diversification and development.
The Creative Industry Act (1048) provides the legal framework for the CAA’s operations and defines the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Secretary. This Act outlines the agency’s mandate to regulate and promote the creative industry, providing a clear legal basis for its activities. It also establishes the governance structure of the CAA, including the board of directors and the Executive Secretary, and defines their respective responsibilities. According to the Act, the Executive Secretary is responsible for the day-to-day management of the agency and reports to the board, which provides oversight and strategic guidance. This legal framework ensures accountability and transparency in the CAA’s operations and provides a solid foundation for its efforts to develop and strengthen the creative industry in Ghana. Aryeequaye’s leadership will be guided by the provisions of the Creative Industry Act as he navigates the complexities of the creative sector and works towards achieving the agency’s objectives.
