Although he was named as one of the potential candidates for the tourism, culture, and creative arts ministerial position, Rex Omar, has intimated that he did not expect that appointment in President John Mahama’s government.
Rex, who is the Coordinator for the Black Star Experience, said he was comfortable with his current position.
He revealed that he was not expecting his current position when asked about industry speculation that he would become the sector minister.
“I heard it, but you see, God has his own way of doing things. I wasn’t expecting to be a sector minister myself because, politically, it was not possible. After all, you know the President’s arms are always bound by the Constitution. You have to consider gender balance, parliamentary balance, regional balance, and all these things.”
Rex Omar
He expressed gratitude for his current role as the Coordinator of Black Star Experience at the Office of the President.
“And I didn’t see myself being the sector minister. And at the same time, I felt that where God wants me to be is exactly where the president has put me. I’m very, very grateful and I’m very, very appreciative of the confidence he has in me.”
Rex Omar
He also highlighted and acknowledged the support he’s receiving from the presidency.
“This responsibility is huge without his own guidelines and directions. And I thank God that the whole presidency, the chief of staff, the special advisor, everybody is supporting us to succeed, including the president himself. So we are very happy and we have a very cordial relationship with the ministry, with all the state agencies and everything.”
Rex Omar
The veteran musician’s appointmentas presidential staffer for Black Star Experience seems to have worked out perfectly, with him expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him.
Rex Omar on Promotion of Ghanaian Painters, Visual Artists
The Coordinator for Black Star Experience emphasised the need to promote Ghanaian painters and visual artists.
He shared his insights on Ghanaian art and culture.
“Ghanaian painters have been relegated to the background, we need to bring them to the limelight -our painters and our sculptors, visual arts, and when we say aesthetics, we are looking at how you see Ghana, either through photography or painting or sculpture or whatever it is.”
Rex Omar
Rex suggested elevating and amplifying these artists, helping them export their work, and organizing exhibitions to showcase Ghanaian art.
He further discussed the importance of incorporating Ghanaian style and culture into design. “Style is about design…The design aspect, the design approach through industrial design, through our Architecture,” he said.
He pointed out that many Ghanaian buildings are modeled after European standards, and instead, we should design buildings that reflect our climate, culture, and unique identity.
“How have we been able to design this, our village style of mud houses? We can modernise it…If we talk about the style, that’s what we’re talking about.”
Rex Omar
His vision for Ghanaian art and culture highlights the need to promote and celebrate our unique identity by showcasing our artistic talents and incorporating our cultural heritage into modern design.
The veteran highlife musician also assured Ghanaians that the current NDC government is committed to supporting and enhancing the “Beyond the Return” initiative started by the previous administration.
He explained that the Black Star Experience is not a single-day event but a broader effort to promote Ghana as a prime destination for the African diaspora.
“Year of Return was a one-off event that celebrated 400 years after the cancellation of the transatlantic slave trade. That is why, after we celebrated the Year of Return, we couldn’t continue because it is a one-off celebration.”
Rex Omar
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