The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Abeiku Santana, has stated that the creative industry holds a central place in Ghana’s socio- economic development but lacks structures.
Speaking to GhanaWeb at the launch of the Diaspora Summit held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he explained that while creatives play an important role in the Ghana’s socio-economic development, the absence of institutional frameworks limits their full potential.
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“Our creatives are one of the major industries in our informal sector but we have not properly structured and institutionalised them as an institution that can also contribute. But the creative contribute a lot to our socio-economic development but we don’t have structures,” Abeiku Santana said.
He praised President John Dramani Mahama for his support of the arts, pointing to the creation of the Creative Arts Council and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts during his administration as evidence of his commitment.
“Don’t forget that the Creative Arts Council itself is an initiative of his Excellency President John Mahama. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the agency called Creative Arts was instituted by President Mahama in 2013.
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“So the man is passionately in love with creatives. Actors, musicians and it’s not just lip service, he actually delivers it. So I’m happy to see this day come true and it’s an encouragement for our creatives that whatever you are doing, do it well, polish it, shine it, you don’t know when the spotlight will be on you,” he said.
AK/EB
