In a recent ministerial reshuffle, President Akufo Addo has replaced Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal with Mr Agyapa Mercer, a lawyer, as the new sector Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts.
In expressing his opinion on the president’s decision with RGGNEWS, Kojo Preko Dankwa, convener of the Foundation of Creative Arts Professionals (FOCAP), acknowledged the President’s authority to make such changes, emphasizing the need for ministers who can deliver results.
However, was not happy with the timing, stating that the change in leadership for the creative arts and tourism sector should have happened much earlier.
According to Kojo Preko, the now former creative arts minister, Mr. Awal, failed to fulfill promises made during his vetting, such as a $20 million studio and unconventional ideas like “funeral tourism.”
Moreover, he emphasized the importance of thorough vetting to determine Mr Mercer’s vision for the ministry.
With the budget already set and ongoing projects in place, he had doubts about significant changes in the next 10 months.
Highlighting the need for efficiency, he suggests that Mr Mercer should prioritize appointing an executive secretary and forming a board for the ministry.
