Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mark Okraku-Mantey, says the relocation of art dealers from the Accra Arts Centre will happen in two phases to separate the art dealers from sellers.
The plan, according to him, will help to ease congestion at the various venues and also pave way for construction works to commence on the Marine Drive Project.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Citi TV, Mr. Okraku-Mantey added that while the Kawukudi site is 90% complete and planned to house 700 stores for art dealers, another site has been prepared at Dodowa for the production of art pieces.
“The whole Arts Centre space falls under the Marine Drive Project, so it is prudent to relocate the arts dealers to a befitting place,” he said.
According to the Deputy Minister, contrary to claims that the relocation exercise will affect the old theatre venue of the Arts Centre and deprive performers of their source of livelihood, the planned Marine Drive Project will include a 2500-seater modern auditorium for the hosting of bigger events.
The new Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project is a 241-acre redevelopment scheme of Accra’s waterfront initiated by Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The plan, by Adjaye Associates, would establish an iconic skyline for Accra and transform the city’s centre into a world-class tourism enclave.
The Marine Drive will also provide essential infrastructure to support the country’s developing cultural and creative industries.
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By: Lord Kweku Sekyi
