Creative Arts Agency of Ghana Launches Welfare Department to Support Artists’ Well-Being

The Creative Arts Agency of Ghana (CAAG) has established a dedicated Welfare, Counseling, and Mediation Department to enhance the well-being of creatives, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by aging artists. The move has been hailed as a milestone for the country’s creative industry.

The initiative is rooted in the Creative Arts Industry Act, 2020 (Act 1048), specifically Section 11, clause 2(f), which empowers the Agency’s Board to create departments necessary to achieve the objectives of the organisation.

Mr. Anthony Obeng Afrane, Board Chair of the Creative Arts Agency, emphasised the importance of supporting creatives throughout their careers. “Many artists dedicate their lives to enriching our culture and entertaining the nation. It is our duty to ensure they have access to the support and resources they need, particularly as they transition into later stages of their careers,” he said.

The new department will provide practical welfare support, including assistance with healthcare, housing, and financial planning. Its counseling services will offer a safe space for creatives to address mental health issues, navigate career transitions, and manage the pressures unique to the creative industry.

In addition, the department’s mediation services will provide a neutral platform to resolve disputes over contracts, copyrights, or other conflicts that could impede artists’ work.

Mr. Afrane noted that the initiative aligns with President John Mahama’s vision of supporting artists’ post-active life experiences. “This department is a tangible expression of the government’s commitment to ensuring that creatives can continue contributing to society even as they age,” he said.

The department will be open to all registered members of the Creative Arts Agency, including musicians, writers, visual artists, filmmakers, and performers. The Agency plans a broad awareness campaign to ensure creatives know about and can access these services.

By establishing this department, the Creative Arts Agency aims to enhance the security and well-being of artists, enabling them to continue pursuing their passions with confidence and dignity. It also sets a benchmark for other countries to prioritise the welfare of their creative communities.

As the department begins operations, CAAG will collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to identify and address the needs of aging creatives, ensuring they receive the support necessary for a productive and fulfilling life. This proactive approach promises to strengthen and sustain Ghana’s creative arts sector in the long term.