Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey
The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, shared promising news regarding the completion of five amphitheatres planned across Ghana.
Speaking in an interview with Hitz FM on November 21, 2024, he confirmed that the necessary funding has been secured and contractors are set to resume work.
“The funding to finish the amphitheatres is in. That’s the good news. Last week, I was with the finance minister in France, and he was even asking why we are not coming for the money to finish. So today, if you call some of the contractors, they’ll tell you they’re going back to the site,” Mantey stated.
Explaining the reasons behind the delays in the amphitheatre project. Okraku-Mantey stated that the original plan, which involved prefabricated structures, was altered to use brick and mortar, resulting in a more durable but costlier and time-consuming construction process.
“The original plan was prefab, and the prefab was supposed to take three months. Unfortunately, the plan changed, and it became brick and mortar. That is why it has delayed. But it’s good for Ghana because, of course, the brick and mortar is stronger,” he explained.
Background
During the Manifesto Debate on Creative Arts on Joy FM, Okraku-Mantey acknowledged that the construction of five amphitheatres promised by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has stalled due to a lack of funds.
He noted that the initial $500,000 per facility was insufficient due to rising market prices.
ID/OGB
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