Joy FM will host its 9th Showbiz Roundtable on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The event will focus on evaluating the government's influence on Ghana's tourism, culture, and creative arts sectors. This assessment covers the 20 months of the current administration's tenure.
The roundtable's theme is "Assessing 20 Months of Government’s Impact on Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts." Participants will examine the government's stated commitments to these sectors. They will also measure the level of policy implementation and the actual impact of these policies. The discussion aims to explore future directions for Ghana's creative economy.
This event comes at a crucial time for Ghana's economic narrative. The creative economy, encompassing tourism, culture, and arts, contributes significantly to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Previous data indicates that the tourism sector alone has the potential to generate substantial revenue and employment. Public and expert scrutiny of government performance in this area is vital for informed policy-making and economic growth.
Industry professionals will feature prominently in the discussions. Francis Doku, Chief Operating Officer of Maestro Africa Group, is among the confirmed speakers. Jesse Agyepong, Lead Consultant at Jesse Agyepong and Associates, will also contribute. Pop culture journalist Olele Salvador, Joy FM broadcaster Ken Addy, and entertainment journalist Arnold Asamoah Baidoo complete the panel. Kwame Dadzie, a broadcaster and arts and culture journalist, will moderate the session.
The roundtable provides a platform for stakeholders to hold the government accountable for its promises. It will also offer insights into the challenges and opportunities within the creative sectors. The outcomes of this discussion could influence future government spending and policy adjustments. Decision-makers and industry players will closely monitor the findings to gauge the sector's trajectory.
The event will be broadcast live from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Joy FM, Joy Prime, and Joy News. Listeners and viewers can participate by sending questions and comments via WhatsApp to 055 111 1997. Philip Nai produces the programme, with support from Anita Teye, Idah Lamaire, Martin Asare, and Olivier Fangnon. This public engagement ensures a broad perspective on the government's performance in these economically important areas.
The creative arts and tourism sectors are key drivers of job creation and foreign exchange earnings. Effective government support and policy implementation are essential for their sustained growth. This roundtable serves as a critical checkpoint for assessing progress and identifying areas for improvement. The insights gained will be crucial for shaping the future economic landscape of Ghana's creative industries.