Creative Arts Industry Forum Achieved No Results – Ola Micheal

Ola Micheal, a vocal Entertainment Critic and Movie Producer, has described the Creative Arts Summit held at the National Theater last Wednesday by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as “a complete disappointment.” 

According to him, even though the idea behind the initiative was good, it achieved nothing in terms of expectations of the various stakeholders. 

Speaking in an exclusive interview with THE NEW PUBLISHER in Accra, the Former Public Relations Officer of the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) said the forum should have addressed key issues bothering the creative arts industry.

”It was one of the biggest we have had in the Industry. Very good initiative to meet all stakeholders and address issues, but it was met with disappointment. I was overwhelmed by the attendance. People trooped into the National theatre for the event and I was shocked myself. 

”The challenges had to do with what the Minister herself had to say. I think that was very low. She couldn’t do enough in terms of outlining what government had done for the Industry. The communication was all about what they intend to do and not what they have done over the past 3 years. 

”It was evident that, they have achieved nothing and no track record as well to showcase. It was not really something encouraging. Most people, including myself, left there more discouraged than before,” he said. 

On the $10m earmarked for the industry by Exim Bank, he said, ”This particular talk has been said to our ears since 2018. The former Minister, Catherine Afeku, mentioned it in March, then again in June and December of the same year. They have been bothering us with it, yet still the money has not materialized. 

”Almost all the things which were said at the venue had been all over our ears before. It was more like a plan they have for the sector and this is their 3^rd year. I wonder what time they would get to implement all these plenty sweet words.”

The forum, which was under the theme ‘Reviving Ghana’s Creative Industry’, saw rapper Sarkodie appointed as Ambassador for the ‘Year of Return’ initiative.

Apart from the announcement, the BET Hip Hop Awards winner received a citation for his achievements and immense contribution to Ghana’s creative art industry.

The forum saw many dignitaries, including the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, Barbara Ayisi and Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency, Bryan Acheampong, in attendance.

Others were the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyemang, President of Creative Arts Council, Mark Okraku Mante and the Board Chairman of the National Theatre, Nana Fredua Agyeman.