Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Trade Fair site, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mark Okraku-Mantey has expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner in which the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Okraku-Mantey criticized the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I do not think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. Because if you meant well, [the structure was a] prefab. Just dismantle the man’s property. But I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair; it was unfair to him. If it meant well, it should have been done well. Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measures taken against the workers responsible for the destruction, Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
He reiterated that he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, even suggesting the National Museum as a potential site, though it proved too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr. Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement. Dr. Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, detailed that his lease had ended, and he was in the process of relocating the dome. He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition. Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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