Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has disclosed that the ministry is working to persuade Tyler Perry Studios to build a film studio in Ghana.
The Minister said the possibility of this happening arose after the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yofi Grant, and some Ghanaians visited the Tyler Perry Studios in the U.S.A.
According to the honorable Minister, the visit by the GIPC was part of the outfit’s efforts to promote Ghana. He indicated that the delegation that toured the studio included officials from the Ministry of Tourism.
“We are pitching to the Tyler Perry team to consider Ghana if they have to build a studio outside the USA, that is the conversation now. The business development manager met the team and because of this conversation, she is coming to Ghana next month”.
Mark Okraku Mantey
Mr. Okraku Mantey also revealed that the CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, Executives from the Ghana International Chamber of Commerce (GHICC), and the Ghana Council of Georgia members were part of those who visited and toured the studios.
After the tour, the Deputy Minister disclosed that the delegation held a meeting with the Senior Creative Executive of Production and Development at the Tyler Perry Studios, Elon D. Johnson.
Mr. Okraku-Mantey pointed out that this is not the first of such visit by the GIPC. They have been organizing roadshows to promote Ghana and show the investment opportunities in the country to investors in many parts of the globe.
“So, this time, they chose to sell the creative side to the world,” Mr. Okraku Mantey indicated.
Tyler Perry Studios is an American film production studio in Atlanta, Georgia founded by actor, filmmaker, and playwright Tyler Perry in 2006.
Michael Blackson Makes call to Tyler Perry
The government isn’t the only entity looking for ways to promote the Ghanaian movie industry. It can be recalled that in February this year, comedian, Michael Blackson, called for a partnership between Tyler Perry, and himself, to build a film studio in Ghana.
Micheal Blackson took to his Twitter page, tagged the renowned Hollywood Filmmaker, and made his request. He suggested that he will be acquiring the land needed for the studio, whereas Tyler Perry who has been recognized as one of the best filmmakers in the world, will focus on building the studio.
Michael Blackson also revealed that he will be shooting a film in Ghana this summer. According to him, this is one of the first few steps he is taking to help elevate the Ghana movie industry. He explained that he would like to showcase Ghana to the world through his movies. He further emphasized that this could help not only project the country but also build support and investments for the movie industry.
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