Construction of Kumasi Theater abandoned?

It's been close to two (2) years now since the current President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, met a horde of creative arts players in Kumasi and promised them of building a state-of-the-art second National Theatre in Kumasi.

To that effect, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative, on behalf of the Republic of Ghana, has had an understanding with a Turkish Exim Bank to build the Kumasi theatre for Ghana; the PRO of the ministry, Mr. Prince Boakye Boateng, intimated to Flex newspaper some weeks ago.

Following up on the story, Flex newspaper contacted Mr. Boakye. He said as far as he is concerned, he has no latest information on the issue. “Honestly I have no idea or any update on the Kumasi Theatre. I've been very busy with other equally important assignments. If I gather any update, I shall fill you in” Mr. Boakye said.

In an earlier publication Flex newspaper did, we asked Mr. Boakye why the ministry or government has had an understanding to have a foreigner - Turkish experts to build the Kumasi theatre and not local architects. “Well, they – the Turkish Exim Bank were ready to support Ghana in this regard” was Mr. Boakye's response.

Ending with us in that earlier publication, he told Flex newspaper “for now, the agreement is largely about the money. As to whether the Turkish will be made to bring in their experts to build the theatre, we – Ghana and the Turkish have not discussed that yet.” Mr. Boakye had also once revealed on 25th January, 2014 on Peace 104.3 fm's 'Entertainment Review' that “the ministry had secured the land for the theatre in Kumasi.” Some players in the creative art industry in Kumasi, Flex newspaper gather, are not too happy with the government's silence or seeming neglect on/for the Kumasi theatre.

We at Flex hope that the promise by the President was not meant to appease the conscience of players in the creative art industry for votes from them and their followers. If that was the President's agenda, art savant says, '2016 is around the corner.'

By Osarfo Anthony