In recent years, the Black Stars of Ghana have faced challenges that have led to a thorough reassessment of the allocation of resources in sports, particularly football which sparked the discussion that money for the black starts should be invested in the creative arts industry
The team’s inability to advance to the knockout stages in the last three African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and an early elimination in the World Cup has sparked discussions about significant investments made in the national soccer team, the Black Stars of Ghana.
The disappointment stemming from Ghana’s disqualification from the 2024 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire has intensified these deliberations, with some experts suggesting that the substantial financial allocations to the Black Stars may not be yielding the appropriate returns for the nation. Several experts in the creative industry have then argued that redirecting a portion of these funds to the creative arts industry will show notable progress in the future.
Critics point to the fact that the creative arts industry has effectively placed Ghana on the global map, evoking national pride through its achievements.
The Year of Return, the consistent recognition Ghanaian artists are getting at the International level, and recently the smashing of World records by Ghanaian contestants.
This sector, which encompasses various forms of artistic expression, has not only contributed to the nation’s cultural identity but has also generated substantial revenue. The positive economic impact of the creative industry is evident in its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a factor that resonates with the broader economic landscape.
According to Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal Ghana’s tourism and creative arts industry contributed US Dollars 3.3 million to Ghana’s GDP in 2019.
Advocates for reallocating funds from sports to the creative arts argue that the creative industry’s revenue generation has a cascading effect on the economy. An increase in GDP is expected to create more employment opportunities, subsequently mitigating unemployment rates. Furthermore, this surge in job availability is anticipated to contribute to the reduction of prices for goods and services, thereby addressing inflationary concerns.
One notable advantage highlighted is the creative industry’s role in fostering youth employment. The sector has emerged as a source of livelihood for numerous young talents, providing them with opportunities to exhibit their skills on both national and international platforms. This, in turn, not only empowers the youth but also bolsters the nation’s economic fabric.
Direct jobs provided by the tourism sector rose from 158,231 in 2018 to 174,054 in 2019.
On the other, the Ghana Black Star team has only been focussing on recruiting international players which has made it difficult for the local players to have an opportunity to be recruited into the national team and this is not a good ground for the local players to also make their marks
In light of the recent underperformance of the Ghana Black Stars, many commentators contend that money for the black stars should be invested in the creative arts industry could result in a more judicious and beneficial allocation of funds.
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