Dr. Hassan Ayariga, the presidential candidate for the All People’s Congress (APC), has announced a comprehensive plan aimed at nurturing emerging talent in the creative arts sector if elected in the upcoming December 7, 2024 election.
In his vision for the future of Ghana’s music industry, Ayariga emphasizes the importance of artist education, innovation, and investment.
He proposed establishing regional platforms where established artists and producers can mentor young talents, helping them develop their skills and navigate the industry from an early age.
Additionally, he plans to launch an online radio platform that allows budding artists to showcase their music through accessible technology.
To foster growth and elevate the global standing of Ghana’s music scene, the APC government outlines ten strategic initiatives:
Investment in Infrastructure and Education:
The APC aims to create state-of-the-art music schools and training programs focused on the artistic, technical, and commercial aspects of music.
Mentorship programs will be established, pairing seasoned professionals with new artists to guide them in refining their craft and understanding industry dynamics.
Leveraging Digital Platforms:
The APC will support artists in utilizing global streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, helping them reach wider audiences beyond local markets.
Musicians will be encouraged to harness social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to promote their work and engage with fans internationally.
Enhancing Production Standards:
The government will invest in high-quality recording studios to elevate production standards and encourage collaborations between artists and top producers.
Training programs for sound engineers and video directors will be implemented to enhance overall production quality.
Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights:
The APC will focus on bolstering copyright laws to protect artists’ rights and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.
Educational initiatives will inform artists about the importance of copyright registration and provide legal support for contracts and royalties.
Creating Exposure Platforms:
The APC plans to organize local and international music festivals, providing artists with opportunities to perform and gain recognition on a global scale.
Collaborations between Ghanaian and international artists will be facilitated to increase visibility for Ghanaian music.
Support from Government and Private Sector:
A music production fund will be established through partnerships with private investors to support artists and industry events financially.
Policies will be introduced to simplify international touring and distribution for Ghanaian musicians.
Building a Unified Industry Network:
Strengthening organizations like the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) will advocate for artists’ interests and address industry challenges.
Collaboration among artists, managers, and producers will be encouraged to create a more cohesive music ecosystem.
Promoting Ghanaian Music Globally:
The APC will leverage music for cultural diplomacy, showcasing Ghanaian artists at international events and festivals.
Efforts will be made to push for global recognition through international awards, including the Grammys.
Encouraging Genre Diversity:
While focusing on Afrobeat and Highlife, the APC will encourage artists to explore genres such as hip-hop, jazz, gospel, and reggae, broadening their audience reach.
Developing Music Business Acumen:
Training programs will be established for music managers to help artists navigate contracts and effectively market their music.
Stronger distribution networks will be created to ensure that Ghanaian music is accessible worldwide, including the establishment of a Music Royalty Collection Agency to guarantee fair compensation for artists.
This comprehensive approach aims to nurture talent, enhance production quality, and elevate Ghana’s music industry on the global stage.


