Finance Minister Ato Forson has once again affirmed the government’s strong commitment to nurturing the creative and arts industry, emphasizing its crucial role in driving national development. Speaking passionately on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Ato Forson shed light on the government’s bold decision to allocate substantial resources toward boosting this vibrant sector.
To understand how industry players view this initiative, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, spoke during the UniMAC-IFT open day event. She expressed optimism that the government’s support will significantly stimulate growth in the creative arts, ultimately generating more employment opportunities.
The event also showcased successes from the academic front. Prof. Samuel Manessah Yirenkyi, Rector of UniMAC-IFT, highlighted the institution’s unwavering dedication to cultivating the next generation of creative thinkers, storytellers, and media professionals. “Our programs in film, television, and media arts seamlessly blend creativity with technical expertise,” he explained.
“We prepare our students to thrive in a rapidly changing global media landscape.” Prof. Yirenkyi praised the passionate faculty and partners who guide each student to reach their full potential.
He encouraged guests and prospective students to fully engage with the day’s activities—to ask questions, connect, and envision the endless opportunities that UniMAC-IFT offers. “We aspire for this institution to be seen not just as a place to study, but as a creative hub where dreams take flight.”
Adding to this inspiring message, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), welcomed everyone with warmth and pride.
He celebrated UniMAC-IFT’s rich heritage as Ghana’s premier specialized institute for film, television, animation, graphics, sound production, photography, and digital arts. “For decades, IFT has stood as a beacon of cinematic training across the nation and continent,” he noted.
“We lead by honoring our pioneering legacy while continuously evolving with technology—a true creative revolution is underway.” Prof. Mensah underscored the importance of this year’s theme, “Reel Connections,” describing film as much more than entertainment. “Cinema is life itself—an intricate web of stories that bind hearts, cultures, and people across Ghana and the world.” He passionately reminded the audience that every frame, every edit, every story connects us deeply in this digital era.
Together, these voices reflect a powerful vision: the creative arts are not just a sector to be funded, but a vibrant force shaping Ghana’s culture, economy, and future.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi