Ghanaian comic actor Richard Kweku Asante, widely known as Kalybos, has called on bloggers and musicians in the country to throw their support behind the digitalization efforts of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate.
Kalybos made this appeal at a dinner and meeting organized by the Ghana Bloggers Association in collaboration with one of Bawumia’s identifiable groups. The event centered on the pivotal role of digitalization in transforming Ghana’s creative and tech industries.
During his address, Kalybos highlighted the importance of musicians aligning with Dr. Bawumia’s digitalization vision. He pointed out how this agenda could significantly benefit the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) in effectively collecting music royalties for artists. “Digitalization will provide GHAMRO with the necessary tools to effectively collect royalties, ensuring that musicians are properly compensated for their work. It’s time we fully embrace this agenda for the benefit of all,” he said.
Speaking to the blogging community, Kalybos also emphasized the potential benefits digitalization could bring. He explained that supporting Bawumia’s digital initiative would help bloggers expand their reach and capitalize on increased digital infrastructure, giving them access to global markets. “Supporting Bawumia’s digitalization vision is a win for the blogging industry. It will open new markets and enable us to export our content more easily, gaining more international recognition,” Kalybos remarked.
Additionally, the actor touched on Dr. Bawumia’s promise to appoint a Digital Ambassador. This role would be crucial in developing new external markets for Ghanaian digital talents and products, promoting the global export of digital content. Kalybos urged the creative and digital sectors to unite behind Bawumia’s plan, emphasizing the importance of showcasing Ghanaian creativity on the world stage.
Kalybos also lauded Bawumia’s commitment to addressing unemployment, particularly his pledge to equip around one million youth with digital skills. “This is a direct benefit to bloggers, musicians, and others in the digital space,” he stated. “If our youth are equipped with the necessary skills, it will not only create more jobs but also boost innovation in the digital sector.”
In his closing remarks, Kalybos stressed the urgency of building Ghana’s digital infrastructure. Drawing comparisons with Nigeria, he noted how the establishment of Netflix and Amazon agencies has spurred the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment and tech industries. “Ghana needs agencies built right here. Nigeria has Netflix and Amazon hubs driving their creative industries. We need the same here if we’re to make meaningful strides in the digital space,” he explained.
“We in the industry know what’s going on, so if a candidate is prioritizing digitalization, it’s worth championing behind him,” Kalybos concluded, calling on his fellow creatives and digital enthusiasts to rally behind Bawumia’s vision for a digitally empowered Ghana.
