Ghanaian music producer and Lynx Group CEO Richie Mensah has stated that the creative industry’s failure to organise and demonstrate economic value is the main reason the government does not invest in the sector.
Speaking on Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM, Richie stressed that support must be earned through results, not demanded. “Leave the government and associations alone and focus on doing what you can do. When you embark on something worthy, support will follow,” he told host Kwame Dadzie.
Richie explained that all the support he has received in his career came after proving his worth, adding that the creative arts industry has yet to show the government a strong return on investment.
“The government won’t support creative arts because, frankly, it’s not worth their time yet. Many artistes feel entitled, but the focus should be on creating real value,” he said.
Using the U.S. as an example, Richie noted that the entertainment industry there attracts support because it contributes massively to the economy, with California’s entertainment GDP surpassing Texas’s oil GDP.
He also criticised the lack of unity and professionalism in Ghana’s creative space, highlighting constant conflicts among artistes, vendors, and media houses as key issues holding the industry back.
Richie Mensah, known for mentoring top artistes like KiDi, Kuami Eugene, and MzVee, has expanded his influence into film, television, and publishing. His recent book, Yes, It’s Your Fault, promotes personal accountability and professional growth.
