“I Will Not Sit Down for Amphitheater to Lie Idle” – James Clarke Urges

Entertainment pundit, actor, and journalist, Mr. James Clarke, has called on the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, to revive the abandoned amphitheater project, describing it as vital infrastructure that could transform Ghana’s Creative Arts industry.

According to him, he will not sit back and allow the Amphitheater project to go to waste, stressing that the facility would greatly benefit all stakeholders in the industry.

Speaking on Onua FM’s Showbiz show hosted by Nana Kwame Gyan, Mr. Clarke expressed disappointment over the stalled project, which was initiated in 2023 under the then Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey.

He therefore urged Hon. Gomashie to engage the Finance Minister and other relevant authorities to release funds for the completion of the amphitheater.

“Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie should talk to the Finance Minister and whoever can release the money to complete the amphitheater project. Such a crucial initiative should not be allowed to vanish just like that,” he said.

Mr. Clarke further challenged Hon. Okraku-Mantey to clarify whether funds allocated for the project were indeed accessed or not.

The ultra-modern open-air amphitheater, which was expected to serve as a venue for performances, film premieres, and other entertainment events, has not seen progress since the sod-cutting ceremony.

“The amphitheater would provide a dedicated space for the Creative Arts industry to thrive. It would help industry players host events affordably while improving the overall entertainment experience for Ghanaians,” Clarke stated.

He also revealed that squatters on the project site had informed him that some of the building materials had been stolen, a situation that would further increase costs if construction resumes.

Mr. Clarke emphasized that, once completed, the facility could be rented at lower rates because it is a government asset, potentially reducing ticket prices and making events more accessible to the public.

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“We all support government assets that benefit the industry. This amphitheater would help cut costs and support local talent,” he added.

He therefore appealed to Hon. Gomashie to prioritize the project to ensure its completion, warning that he would not sit down for the current government to fail in delivering on such a key initiative.

“They should work hard now that they are in power and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past,” he noted.

 

 

Source: Shirley Irene Thompson