Mariam K. Agyeman-Buahin, a dynamic figure in the Ghanaian creative economy, is the leading voice championing financial inclusion for creative entrepreneurs. Speaking to the media recently, she highlighted the immediate need to develop banking tools that suit the unconventional lives and livelihoods of creative professionals.
“Creative entrepreneurs don’t fit the traditional mould. They need solutions that reflect how they actually live and work- mobile savings, royalty-backed loans, digital accounting. We must shift our approach,” she said.
Ghana’s creative industry plays a pivotal role in boosting youth employment, exports and cultural influence. Despite this, a report from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre revealed that over 60 percent of creatives still rely on personal savings or family support to keep their businesses running.
With inconsistent income and limited access to collateral or formal structures, many creatives are perceived as “high risk” by traditional banks. This is where financial inclusion becomes not just a policy goal, but a potential lifeline.
Women, in particular, are a vital part of Ghana’s creative sector. Yet they remain disproportionately affected by financial exclusion. Several initiatives are now focusing on changing that narrative. A proposed Women’s Development Bank, alongside microfinance schemes and tailored grants, aims to improve access to finance for women-led businesses.
Collaborations like the one between Annan Capital Partners and Opportunity International are also stepping in, offering custom loans for women in the creative space to help their ventures grow and thrive.
Fortunately, fintech is beginning to turn the tide. Start-ups such as PayBox Ghana and Bloom Financial are offering mobile-friendly services like savings accounts, invoice financing and short-term loans, all designed to accommodate erratic earnings.
The widespread adoption of mobile money has already transformed how everyday transactions are handled. Now, new innovations are being introduced, including income advances and AI-powered credit assessments tailored for freelancers and gig workers.
“We’re seeing creatives turn data into power. Analytics from social media, e-commerce and digital subscriptions are being used to build credibility with investors and lenders,” Mariam noted.
Another promising tool on the horizon is equity crowdfunding. This allows fans and supporters to invest directly in creative ventures in exchange for equity. Though still underutilised in Ghana due to regulatory grey areas and low awareness, it holds strong potential.
Some innovators are venturing even further, experimenting with blockchain technology to bring more transparency to areas such as music royalties and digital art collectibles.
While the launch of Ghana’s National Creative Arts Industry Policy in 2022 was a step in the right direction, many believe progress has been slow. Stakeholders argue that to achieve inclusion, regulatory frameworks must evolve to accommodate non-traditional business models.
Mariam has called for stronger partnerships across sectors. “Financial inclusion isn’t just about access, it’s about relevance. We need government, financial institutions and creatives to co-create systems that work,” she added
Some proposed changes include tax incentives for creative start-ups, incorporating mobile credit histories into national credit systems, and state-backed grants for digital skill development.
Several success stories are beginning to surface. Social media influencers are turning to subscription-based revenue, fashion designers like Mabel Asante are using digital savings tools to expand production, and dancers like Dancegodlloyd are leveraging analytics to land brand deals. These cases highlight what’s possible when creative energy meets financial savvy.
Outside of fintech, Mariam is also known for her mentoring efforts. Her “Insider Scoop with Mariam” series, launched in January 2025 along with Papillon Creative Academy and GHUD Park, is helping bridge knowledge gaps through monthly discussions on entrepreneurship, branding and growth.
High-profile guests like Dancegodlloyd, Daniella Zarbo and Nicks Cocktail have shared lessons on building authentic brands and engaging loyal audiences. The initiative also includes the mentorship programme ‘Savor & Muse’, where Mariam and other experts coach participants in digital marketing, financial literacy and practical business skills often missing from creative education.
