The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has begun discussions with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to resolve taxation challenges facing Ghana’s creative industry, in a move aimed at creating a fairer and more supportive business environment for artists and cultural entrepreneurs.
The stakeholder engagement, led by the sector Minister, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, brought together leading figures from the creative arts space and senior officials from the GRA to explore ways of restructuring tax policies to promote growth rather than hinder it.
Madam Gomashie said the dialogue was part of government’s commitment to building a sustainable creative economy that balances national revenue needs with the financial realities of creatives.
“We have a teeming number of talented young people, but without proper structures and understanding, the sector cannot thrive,” she said. “We are here to find a human-centered approach to taxation.”
The Minister commended President John Dramani Mahama for recognizing the sector’s importance by formally integrating Creative Arts into the Tourism Ministry in 2013.
She said the current administration remains focused on nurturing the sector’s potential as a driver of tourism, employment, and revenue generation.
According to Madam Gomashie, the engagement marks a “new chapter of collaboration” between policymakers and creatives to ensure sustainability, fairness, and accountability in the sector’s economic contribution.
As part of efforts to promote tax education, the Ministry plans to collaborate with the National Theatre and community theatre groups to use drama and performances to raise awareness about taxation among creative professionals.
“We will take tax education to the markets, communities, and creative spaces through skits and flash performances,” she explained.
Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the GRA, reaffirmed the Authority’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry and stakeholders to design a tax framework that encourages compliance without crippling the industry.
“If we shut down this sector, there would be a crisis in this country,” Mr. Sarpong warned. “Taxes fund national development, but we must create a system that works for everyone, including creatives.”
A highlight of the meeting was the introduction of Ntoboa, a new digital platform designed to help creative professionals manage their tax records, track contributions, and enhance transparency. The app is expected to simplify the tax process and improve compliance across the sector.
Officials said the stakeholder engagement will be reconvened later for a follow-up working session to develop a comprehensive roadmap, including possible tax incentives and policy reforms to strengthen the creative economy.
