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Practitioners in the creative arts industry on over the weekend lauded the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for revamping the creative arts sector, and realigning the Tourism Ministry to include culture and the creative arts.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, lauded the efforts of government in acknowledging the role of the Ghana Culture Forum towards nation building.



The creative artistes noted: “We are grateful to President John Dramani Mahama and the government for the priority given the arts industry and believed it was going to play a pivotal role in the development of the country”.



According to the statement, the Creative Artistes made this known, during a working meeting with the sector Minister, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and her Deputy Madam Dzifa Abla Gomashie to discuss the way forward for the industry.



According to the statement, Professor Esi Sutherland Addy, the Chairperson and Convener for the Ghana Culture Forum also commended the government for the GHC 1million given to the creative industry.



“We are very grateful to government for the financial support, and assures the government that the monies would be used judiciously for the development of the sector,” Prof Addy was quoted.



Prof Addy said the Ghana Culture Forum; a network of association and individuals within the creative arts industry is in advance discussion with the Ministry on how the monies will be disbursed equitably to the benefit of all within the sector.



Mrs Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Tourism culture and Creative Arts reiterated government’s readiness to see a thriving creative sector industry since it believed, culture was a key catalyst to developing a country.



She indicated that the promulgation of the creative arts bill and the Film bill is a game changer for dynamic arts industry, and that, it was an essential element needed to shape the arts industry.



Some members present at the meeting were, Steve Asare Hackman of FIPAG, Reverend Eddie Coffie (President of Ghana Actors Guild), Mr Emmanuel Ziggy Netyson of the Ghana Actors Guild, Amandzeba Nat Brew of the Professional Musicians of Ghana and Sloopy Mike Gyamfi of the Veteran Musicians Association of Ghana.

GNA