Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Minister Designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture and President’s representative at the Ministry, has emphasized the significant revenue-generating potential of the creative arts and culture sector in Ghana.
During a meeting with creative arts practitioners in Kumasi at the Quarshie Idun Hall, Cultural Centre, Hon. Egyapa Mercer outlined his vision for the sector and discussed its current state, highlighting the need for a balanced approach between tourism and creative arts to maximize economic benefits.
Hon. Egyapa Mercer shared his vision for the creative arts and culture sector, emphasizing its crucial role in attracting foreign visitors to Ghana. He noted that while tourism has been a primary focus, the creative arts, including music, film, and art, are equally important in drawing international attention and investment.
The Minister expressed concern over the perceived neglect of the creative arts sector and called for a shift in focus to ensure both sectors complement each other in contributing to Ghana’s economy.
“Foreigners are enticed to come to Ghana by music, film, art, and other forms of Ghanaian cultural expression. Accordingly, the right level of attention ought to be given to creative arts if tourism will continue to thrive.”
Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Minister Designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture
Discussing the state of infrastructure within the sector, Hon. Egyapa Mercer acknowledged delays in the construction of amphitheaters in Kumasi, Accra, and Sekondi due to funding constraints.
However, the Minister Designate assured that negotiations with the Ministry of Finance are underway to secure the necessary funds to complete these projects by December 2024. These amphitheaters are seen as key to supporting the growth of the creative arts industry by providing venues for performances and events.
The meeting served as a platform for Hon. Egyapa Mercer to engage directly with practitioners, listen to their concerns, and gather insights into the challenges they face. He reassured the attendees of his commitment to addressing their concerns and working collaboratively to revitalize the creative arts sector.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including members of various creative arts associations, film directors, producers, music producers, artists, and dancers, fostering a dialogue aimed at shaping the future of the sector.
The emphasis on the creative arts and culture sector’s potential to generate significant revenue has implications beyond the immediate stakeholders. By focusing on both tourism and creative arts, Ghana stands to attract a broader range of visitors interested in experiencing the country’s rich cultural heritage.
This dual approach could lead to increased tourism numbers, benefiting local economies, especially those in coastal areas like the harbor cities. The development of infrastructure such as amphitheaters not only supports the creative arts industry but also enhances the overall tourist experience, potentially increasing the duration of stay and spending by visitors.
Hon. Egyapa Mercer’s engagement with creative arts practitioners and his commitment to addressing the sector’s challenges signal a promising future for Ghana’s creative arts and culture industry. With strategic investments in infrastructure and a balanced approach to tourism and creative arts, Ghana is poised to leverage its cultural assets to drive economic growth and development.
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