By Rachel Kakraba
President Akufo-Addo, says Ghana is strengthening collaborations with France to establish a cultural industry that holds prospects for the teeming unemployed youth.
He said the youth hold so much potential which calls for mechanisms to be put in place to unleash such energies for the betterment of society.
President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the launch of Creation Africa Ghana in Accra.
Creation Africa Ghana, is an initiative by the French Embassy and empowers entrepreneurs in Ghana’s Cultural and Creative Industries. It will among other things foster innovation and creation of job opportunities.
The program adopts a beneficiary-centered approach, offering comprehensive support from ideation to acceleration and expected to repose confidence in the Ghanaian youth to start and grow their own businesses.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the agricultural and creative industry are drivers of growth and wealth creation.
“I’m particularly happy about it because we are seeing something which is increasingly the theme of our time, and that is Agricultural and creative industry are themselves huge drivers of growth and wealth creation”
President Akufo-Addo expressed appreciation to France for the initiative which he said will have enormous benefits for the country.
“To have an organization that tries to have artiste, cultural entrepreneurs, creative souls and entrepreneurs and money making people together into one part is extremely positive and progressive idea and I thought it was important that I come here”
French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules Armand Aniambossou said with the launch, Ghana becomes the first African country to benefit from the programme.
He said the initiative will bridge the gap between artistry and entrepreneurship, adding processes for selection are transparent and encouraged artistes to take advantage of it to improve their skills.
“Creation Africa Ghana, we want to foster integration of these areas into the economy sector, bridging the gap between artistry and entrepreneurship and inject even more vitality.
We invite aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to submit their project for the chance to receive mentorship, resources and money“
Mr. Aniambossou, said the days where persons with business ideas lack resources to commence operations are far from over, as France will provide support for such businesses.
“Some of you will receive financial support from France, some of you will receive seed money, here this project is very innovative. It is no longer a question of financing, workshops, meetings, seminars, etc. and at the end of the day nothing will change.”
Forerunner of the House of the African worlds (MansA), Liz Gomis, said the launch of Creation Africa Ghana is the beginning of many good things between Ghana and France.
