Government moves to develop creative arts industry
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has stepped up efforts to tap the potentials of the Ghanaian youth in the creative arts industry, for wealth creation.
Ms. Catherine Abelema Afeku, the Minister, said it was liaising with stakeholders and investors to develop all aspects of the industry, to enhance socio-economic growth.
Facilities at the various Centres for National Culture (CNCs) including that of Kumasi are being upgraded.
Added to this, are refresher courses for instructors and others with technical expertise and support programmes for key players within the industry.
Ms. Afeku, who was addressing a stakeholders’ meeting in Kumasi, said the creative arts industry, given the requisite attention could substantially increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Participants included the executives of ‘Kumawood’, traditional authorities and representatives of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and recognizable groups within the industry.
The Kumasi Centre, whose concept was nurtured by the late Dr. Alexander A. Kyeremanten more than five decades ago, was the cradle for unearthing and nurturing budding talents, especially amongst the youth, in the creative arts industry, particularly in the City of Kumasi, which once had the accolade of the ‘Garden City of West Africa’.
Notable personalities, including the multi award-winning Kofi Adu, popularly known as ‘Agya Koo’, now enjoying stardom, were all discovered through programmes, run by the Centre.
However, the vibrancy of the Centre had in recent times taken a nosedive due to financial constraints and outmoded facilities.
Ms. Afeku gave the assurance that the government was determined to change the situation, and as such had rolled out plans to complete the ‘Apatakesie (Main Auditorium)’ project at the CNC, saying this was necessary for the organization of talent-hunt programmmes and other social activities.
Baffour Asare Owusu Amankwatia, Bantamahene, in a message delivered on his behalf, said facilities at the CNC ought to be upgraded in view of its socio-economic and cultural significance to the people.
Mr. Osei Assibey-Antwi, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), said the Metropolis “boasts of many historical and cultural sites” which when developed could help attract tourists and investors to the city.
The KMA, he said, was collaborating with the central government to put those sites into good shape in order to reap its local economic gains.
Source: GNA