A group of creative arts players in the Ashanti Region have pleaded with President Akufo-Addo to appoint a Minister who will progress the industry and ensure continuity in the sector.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Kumasi, Nana Frimpong, a member of the group, said the Tourism and Creative Arts Ministry has suffered a lot as a result of Ministers not fully implementing ideas and projects started by their precursors.
He indicated that Creative arts have an important role in the building of a nation, therefore, it would be very relevant if the government appoints a Minister who is very skilful in the sector and will ensure growth in the industry.
In his first term, the President first appointed Catherine Afeku as the Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts from 2017-2019. She was replaced with Barbara Oteng Gyasi, the former MP for Prestea Huni Valley.
However, some industry players have said Catherine Afeku struggled in her first year and had disagreements with industry players but did extremely well after settling in.
Her predecessor Barbara Oteng Gyasi also had challenges settling in but did well in the latter part of her reign as Minister.
Nana Frimpong also gave examples of how creative arts persons in Kumasi are always not consulted or involved in projects in the region or policies being introduced by the Ministry.
“The only time all stakeholders in Kumasi were given an invitation to share ideas on improving the creative arts industry was at the event to renovate the Apatakesie Ase in 2018,” he said.
“Since we want the creative Arts Ministry to progress, we want Nana Addo to offer us a Minister who will listen and address the concerns of industry players and not just a selected few,” added.
President Akufo-Addo will be appointing ministers to help him govern the country in his next term from 2021-2024 after he won the 7th December 2020 Presidential elections.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Abba Kwegyirba Aggrey
