Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Awal Mohammed
As part of efforts to ensure that Ghana becomes one of the most attractive places on earth when it comes to tourism, the Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Awal Mohammed, has disclosed that government will soon be establishing a 20 million dollar film studio.
Taking his turn at the Appointments Committee of Parliament yesterday, the former Business Development Minister said government will be building a film and music studio.
“We want to build a film and music studio. It’s one element that can increase the tourism potential of this country. We don’t have any serious studio in this country, so this is one of the first things that we will do. The film studio will help in music and film production and make Ghana the hub of film production in West Africa,” he said.
He also said that local television series will be encouraged to help project Ghanaian culture.
NAFAC
The Minister-designate also promised to ensure that the once world acclaimed National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) is revived, if given the nod.
The Minister-designate also gave the assurance that, if given the nod, he will initiate policies to encourage young persons to appreciate the local language.
As part of these activities, he intends to launch competitions among children between 10-18 years in the local language.
He said in preserving Ghana’s culture, it would be important to promote reading and writing of the local language.
With regard to how he will promote ‘Made in Ghana’ agenda so Ghanaians will develop an interest in what is produced in Ghana, he indicated that there are plans to introduce tourism, arts and cultural education in Ghanaian schools and called on Parliament to support the initiative.
Open defaecation
Answering questions on how he would tackle open defaecation at the country’s various beaches, he said the issue has gotten out of hands and that it is impossible for the ministry alone to deal with the problem without seeking help from traditional rulers.
On promoting beach tourism, he explained that the first step will be to curb defecation at the beaches.
After solving the age-long problem, Mr Mohammed said, the next plan will be to engage the private sector in creating entertainment at the beaches to attract revellers.
He added that the ministry will promote and generate interest in that aspect of tourism.
He however believes that this can only be possible with help from traditional rulers and other sectorial ministers.
