Entertainment
Kojo Preko Dankwa Criticises Tourism Minister Over Delayed Theatre and Amphitheatre Projects
President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), Kojo Preko Dankwa, has criticised the Minister responsible for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts over what he describes as the lack of progress and communication on stalled theatre and amphitheatre projects across Ghana.
Speaking on GBC Spectacle with host Hegar Owusu, Kojo Preko Dankwa said the creative arts industry continues to suffer because critical infrastructure promised to support the sector has been left abandoned.
According to him, while government continues to announce plans to build new theatres and amphitheatres, existing projects initiated under the previous NPP administration have seen little or no progress.
“They can promise us one theatre in Kumasi, they can promise us amphitheatres and all those things, but for them to materialise is another matter,” he said.
The FOCAP President expressed disappointment in the current minister, stating that stakeholders have not received any updates regarding the status of theatre and amphitheatre projects already under construction.
“I am seriously disappointed in the minister. We are not getting any updates when it comes to the amphitheatres and theatre projects that the previous government started. We have not been given any information on what is happening to them,” he stated.
Kojo Preko Dankwa further alleged that some of the abandoned project sites are deteriorating due to neglect.
“When you go there, weeds have taken over the sites and the iron rods are being stolen. The infrastructure is simply being left to waste,” he claimed.
He stressed that the creative arts industry cannot achieve meaningful growth without investment in performance venues and cultural infrastructure.
“We are always calling for infrastructure on the ground. We are also the same people asking for spaces where we can organise events and other creative activities, yet we are still not getting anything,” he lamented.
While acknowledging that the government has its own priorities, Kojo Preko Dankwa maintained that he remains disappointed with the handling of infrastructure development for the creative arts sector.
“So for me, I think government will do what it wants to do, but I am disappointed in the Tourism Minister,” he concluded.
His comments add to growing calls from stakeholders in Ghana’s creative arts industry for the completion of abandoned theatre and amphitheatre projects, arguing that modern performance venues are essential for promoting Ghanaian culture, creating employment and supporting the country’s entertainment industry.
