Accra: Entertainment pundit Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has called on stakeholders in Ghana's creative arts sector to move beyond excitement and critically examine the promises made in the President's State of the Nation Address (SONA). Speaking on UTV's United Showbiz on March 1, 2026, Arnold stressed that the essence of a State of the Nation Address is to provide updates on the current state of affairs rather than reiterate campaign-style promises.
According to Ghana Web, Arnold emphasized that recent addresses appear to focus heavily on promises and commitments rather than tangible progress. He explained that while a manifesto is full of promises and commitments, the SONA should transition from promises to ongoing activities. Arnold urged players within the creative arts industry not to celebrate merely being mentioned in the national address, but to critically analyze the content and context of these mentions.
Arnold acknowledged the President's recognition of creative arts and the role of new media in shaping the industry as commendable. He noted the President's pledge to act as an ambassador for the sector as a positive move. However, Arnold questioned why stakeholders were overly enthusiastic about fresh mentions in the 2026 SONA when key promises made in the 2025 address remain unfulfilled.
Arnold also raised concerns about the GHS40 million allocation reportedly earmarked for the creative industry, urging clarity on how the funds will be utilized. He called for a critical analysis of the government's promises to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of resources for the sector.