The Creative Arts Agency of Ghana on Thursday , 17 July, 2025 rolled out a pilot edition of its dynamic project designed to empower young Ghanaian creatives. Dubbed “Inspire the Creative-in-Me! Project” it seeks to correct the misconception associated with the creative arts scope, boost the confidence of budding creatives, guide/counsel them towards a successful career in their chosen field of art to mention but a few.
This culminates into the agency’s efforts to redefine the country’s fashion and creative sectors as engines of economic growth, moving beyond long-held perceptions that reduce the sector to just entertainment or means of recreation.
At the Fashion Dialogue Series, first pilot edition of the “Inspire the Creative-in-Me!”, held at the Korle Gonno Community Library, in Accra, Gideon Aryeequaye, Ag. Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency of Ghana, criticized what he called the “limited lens” through which the creative sector is viewed, despite its broad impact on culture, identity, and livelihoods.
“It’s quite unfortunate that in the very society where the basis of life and living it, is undeniably art, art is less revered,” Aryeequaye said. “The scope of all that art is, is wrongly restricted to just entertainment.”
He indicated that the Creative Arts Agency under his leadership, in resonance with President John Dramani Mahama’s ‘reset agenda’ shall ensure that, at least, the basis for the sector is well built and right policies put in place to create the desired enabling environment for creatives to thrive and succeed.
“The Fashion Dialogue Series with Linda Ampah”, hosted in partnership with Cadling Fashions and the Korle Gonno Community Library, is part of a national strategy to support youth development in the creative economy, with fashion positioned as a key pillar. Mr. Aryeequaye described fashion as “the largest constituency” within the creative ecosystem and stressed that “targeted programs are essential to address misconceptions and equip young people with viable career paths.”.
“Under the broader “reset agenda,” led by the John Dramani Mahama administration, the initiative connects aspiring creatives with industry leaders through mentorship, masterclasses, and technical workshops.”
“The approach is designed to build confidence and capacity among young Ghanaians, positioning them as future contributors to a more formalized creative economy. It is also designed to connect successful art practitioners and aspiring young artists… to guide them to successful careers in this sector,” he further stated.
“The Fashion Dialogue Series with Linda Ampah” was very successful. It featured three leading figures in Ghana’s fashion industry: Linda Ampah, CEO of Cadling Fashions; designer and Fashion Domain Head of Ghana Culture Forum, Beatrice “Bee” Arthur and Makeba Nana Pokua Boateng, founder of Fashion Forum Africa. Their participation reflects growing industry collaboration aimed at bridging informal creative work with formal business opportunities.
Touching on the prospects of the fashion industry at the event, Mr. Aryeequaye was worried that the sector’s economic potential is substantial but underleveraged; citing fashion’s role in job creation and export potential. “Fashion in Ghana is more than just a style, it is a thriving industry that creates jobs and builds impressive futures,” he said.
According to him, the Creative Arts Agency’s efforts is aligned with national strategies under Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and draw inspiration from President John Dramani Mahama’s agenda for cultural revitalization—through the Black Star Experience initiative, a campaign to promote Ghanaian heritage globally.
He emphasized that his Agency aims to promote a message of inclusivity and transformation, aimed at dismantling stigma around creative careers and encouraging youth to see themselves as capable contributors to national development.
“Let this event be a springboard that makes the sky your starting point,” Aryeequaye said, adding that the Agency’s vision of Creativity without Borders is central to unlocking the country’s full economic potential from creative and in the interest of creatives.
The next pilot edition of “Inspire the Creative-in-Me!” Project according to the Creative Arts Agency comes off on 30 July, 2025 at same venue and shall focus on a discipline of fine art Painting and more.
