Broken Commitments: The Struggles of Creative Arts in the Western Region
The Western Region, known for its wealth of natural resources, has played a vital role in supporting Ghana’s economy. The region’s gold, bauxite, cocoa, timber, and oil and gas reserves have been crucial, contributing approximately 15.6% to the nation’s GDP.
Despite these significant economic contributions, the creative arts and tourism sectors in the Western Region have been largely overlooked. Political leaders have made numerous promises to improve these areas, but little progress has been made. The Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Takoradi, once a vibrant center for cultural activities and entertainment, has fallen into disrepair. It now serves as a dumping ground and a hotspot for criminal activities.
The decline of the CNC has forced event organizers to find other venues, leading to higher costs and the cancellation of many events. This has had a negative impact on the region’s entertainment industry, which already struggles with a lack of theatres and recording studios to nurture local talent.
In the 2020 NPP manifesto, the government pledged to build theatres in Takoradi and Tamale, as well as large recording studios in Accra, Tamale, and Takoradi. However, these promises have not been fulfilled, leaving artists in the region frustrated and unsupported.
As political parties prepare to release their new manifestos, the people of the Western Region are calling for action, not just words. It’s time for leaders to follow through on their commitments and invest in the region’s creative arts and tourism industries.
We must hold our leaders accountable for their promises and strive for a better future for the Western Region.
Leave a Comment