Empty Nuclear Power Plant Promises Us – Rex Omar | General entertainment

For years, creative arts actors have lamented the neglect of the sector by successive governments, as well as their broken promises.

Disappointed by the treatment of the sector by the former National Democratic Congress (NDP) government, a glimmer of hope was offered in the 2016 elections by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), whose manifesto proposed great solutions to the challenges of the industry.

Two years after the start of the administration of nuclear power plants, many industry stakeholders who have joined the "Change" movement are unhappy with the government's efforts.

Certain measures have been taken, including the establishment of the Creative Arts Council, but its impact has been minimal because there is no legislation to make it operational.

During a phone conversation about the state of the arts and the creative industry, Rex Omar, president of GHAMRO, told Graphic Showbiz that the NPP government had made unfulfilled promises to the creative arts industry. For him, the government was only good at providing end-to-end services to the sector.

"Honestly, the NPP manifesto was just a love letter to the creative arts industry, because if we have to judge them according to the projects they describe, they have failed miserably," he said. he declares.

Among the highlights of the manifesto regarding the creative sector are the review and implementation of the cultural policy developed under the administration of former President JA Kufuor, the establishment of a detailed inventory cultural badets of the country to build a database and create a Creative Arts Fund. release funds to modernize and develop the sector.

Others were to create a creative arts division of the Supreme Court to deal with all intellectual property rights issues, create a creative arts council to coordinate and harmonize fragmented badociations within from a successful organization and continue the construction of large modern theaters in all regional capitals except Accra.

"Is not it interesting that while the industry is demanding attention and investment, the sector ministry has bought AFRIMA's housing rights at a high price, when it does not benefit in the country? Do we know how the amount invested in this project belonging to a Nigerian could have fetched our industry? He asked.

The singer Paapa said that he hoped for better days but that his expectations had not been satisfied because nothing was happening.

"Just go read the NPP Manifesto and you'll know that it's too ambitious and too good to be true. For example, they promised to build 10 regional theaters. Where is the theater even founded?

"Today, the same people who have made these huge promises for which they have been overwhelmingly endorsed by industry players are opening up renovated cultural centers. Really? Is this what was promised? He asked.

Rex Omar pointed out that his argument rested on the records of previous governments and not just an improper attack on the current government.

"It seems that the industry has got a lot of attention from the powers of the revolutions era. I remember how, under Rawlings, he hosted "Meet Me There" and many talents were brought to light.

"That's not all, when the democratic regime started with Rawlings still in charge, he provided facilities to MUSIGA and gave regular tokens to many artists. When Atta Mills took office, he also donated 2 million GH ¢ to the sector. Although it was obviously not enough, it was an excellent initiative.

"Mahama may not have achieved good results, but at least the government has created the Creative Arts Council. What can nuclear power plants also show off their empty promises? He asked.

The former NAKOREX member said, "The creative arts industry deserves more and we need to hold ourselves accountable and force our leaders to keep their promises and not use them only during the campaign period," he said. he declares.

When Showbiz contacted Sector Minister Catherine Abelema Afeku, she sent a statement detailing all the ministry's accomplishments in 2018.

Among them, financial and logistical support was provided to the Black Star Film International Film Festival (BSIFF), which set up a working group to draft a legislative instrument to make the film law pbaded in 2016 and operational.

He also said that the bill on the creative arts industry had been submitted to Cabinet and that he was currently before Parliament for deliberation and adoption. The Creative Arts Fund, according to the declaration, has also been incorporated into the bill.

The ministry said Ghana had hosted the African Union's first African Writers Conference as well as the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He also supported the Chale Wote Festival, Glitz African Fashion Week, and hosted the Ghana Theater Festival in September.

The statement also revealed that a modern theater had been completed in Koforidua for the NAFAC celebrations, while those in Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi were under construction.

The ministry has also secured a US $ 40 million credit from the World Bank. Component 3 of the facility provides $ 5 million for a tourism business support program.

This component aims to provide tourism SMEs with the opportunity to improve their business planning and to apply for matching grants to improve their tourism products and services.