The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey has assured the Mpuntuhene (Development Chief) of Akonoma in the Asebu Kingdom of the Central Region, Nana Dakrabo I, that, the ministry will provide all documents needed for the start of the state-of-the arts film studio in Ghana.
The Deputy Minister made the pledged when the Los Angeles-born entrepreneur, Nana Dakrabo I and his team paid a courtesy call on him to officially inform the Ministry about their intention to build world-class film studio for the country.
Mr. Mark Okraku-Mantey noted that Ghana has a lot of talent but lacks the requisite logistics to nurture and give exposure to these talents.
“Ghana has a lot of talent from the front to back but what we need now are the logistics and you have come at the time that we are thirsty, and we need more water to drink. For such a project, and for a president who believe in the arts industry we have passed the creative arts bill, we have operationalized the National Film Authority, so that the policy of the industry is intact, to help improve the creative arts industry.” He said
He further welcomed them to Ghana and thanked them for choosing Ghana as the best place to put up this ultra-modern film studio.
“My Minister has said he wants to make arts and culture the number one GDP contributor. As a capitalist government (NPP), we realized that the private sector has a major stake in nation-building. We need all to build this together. By the end of this year, you will see some mini theatres dotted across the country.
“Let’s support this project, it will create employment. Ghana is ready” He added
“The project, when completed will create thousands of jobs for Ghana’s entertainment industry. The studio when completed is poised to capitalize on the African film market, gaining a large share of productions from neighboring countries, while simultaneously attracting productions from around the world.” He added
He said” I know that you have the right people to support you in everything you do. Ghana is ready, come and help us develop the country especially in the creative arts industry, as a capitalist government we believe that the country can be developed through the private sector.”
The project which is partnership with WEG Studios in Washington DC, musician and producer Koby Maxwell, actor Michael Blackson, and other notable people is estimated to cost three hundred and fifty million dollars ($350 million), the state-of-the-art film studio will be on a 321-acre land in Ghana, making it the first of its kind in Africa.