Deputy Tourism Minister, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has revealed that the government is undertaking some projects to see to the growth of the tourism and creative industry, and as such, the Cultural Centre would receive a facelift.
Explaining why the government is undertaking such a project, Mr. Okraku-Mantey said “it is all because we want to reinforce the strength of the creative industry”.
Mr. Okraku-Mantey stated that government wants to empower the creative industry to be at par with that of tourism, especially since the success of tourism influences the growth of the creatives. He also dismissed the claims that the government has failed to help the creative industry as it promised. According to him, initiatives such as the ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond The Return’ were used to grow tourism and the creative industry.
Mr. Okraku-Mantey explained that the growth of tourism now expands to other sectors of the creative industry, including hospitality, fashion, art, and performances.
The Deputy Minister mentioned that he is proud of the introduction of festivals, like Wildaland, Afrochella, BHIM Concert, and others, in December which sees several tourists trouping into the country. He noted that ultimately when a person travels into the country, it is the creative and culture people who benefit. Therefore, the creative industry “must also have its share to be able to grow the foundation to supply to the tourist when they come”.
With this goal in mind, the Deputy Minister for Tourism advised against the separation of the Tourism and the Creative arts industry.
A fraction of industry players have complained that the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture pays more attention to the tourism and culture sectors while the creative sector is being ignored.
Many have also expressed their disappointment in the Deputy Minister claiming he should know better because he used to be a very strong advocate for the sector before going into the office as a Deputy Minister.
However, Mark Okraku-Mantey, in response to these claims, said the government is preparing the sector for the massive growth yet to be seen in the sector. He added that the Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Dr. Awal Mohammed is committed to the cause and is working hard to grow the sector.
“We have not left the creative industry to just stay as it is. The market must be ready. You should see how Dr. Awal argues for the creative industry around the table; as if he is a creative person himself,” Mark revealed.
Mark Okraku Defends Online Tax Comment
It can be recalled that recently, Mark Okraku Mantey called on the government to focus on taxing online activities now that the E-levy bill has been successfully passed. However, his comments didn’t welcome the support of some creative industry players.
Defending his comment, Mr. Okraku-Mantey said the focus shouldn’t be just on YouTube and blogging sites but rather on every individual or entity making income on the internet.
“I don’t want to limit it to blog only. It is generally e-commerce. It is bigger than blogging and YouTube,” Mr. Okraku Mantey said. “I am not sure the GRA is specialized in the e-commerce space yet. They will have to do more work on that”.
Read also: Nigeria Government Renames National Theatre
