The Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture (MoTAC) has said the music hall of fame recently commissioned by sector minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer in Sekondi, Western Region, is but a taste of what the New Patriotic Party (NPP) intends to do for the appreciation and promotion of the creative arts industry should it stay in power per the choosing of voters in December.

According to Mr Mercer, the government intends to commission a hall of fame in the other 15 regions of Ghana, honouring the movers and shakers, and innovators of the creative arts alive or deceased.

Apart from the cultural significance and tourism potential of the project, he said employment would be provided, also.

Furthermore, he recognised the power of music and other forms of art to mobilise resources for and inspire development.

This was communicated via a speech read on Mr Mercer’s behalf by Divine Owusu Ansah, MoTAC Director of Arts and Culture, when the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) launched its 50th anniversary celebration at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, Accra.

“We have constructed the Western Hall of Fame, in the Western Region, Sekondi, to be precise. This will serve as a historical monument, honouring some musicians. On the walls of this Hall of Fame, which was commissioned by Mr Mercer, we have names such as Jewel Ackah, Papa Yankson, Charles K Mann (C.K. Mann), Alfred Benjamin Crentsil (AB Crentsil) and Ebo Taylor, among others,” the MoTAC head said.

“And every year, more names will be added. We will be emulating this across the country, in every region. So, very soon, don't be surprised that you will visit Ashanti Region’s Hall of Fame and see names such as Charles Kojo Fosu (Daddy Lumba), Nana Acheampong, etc.”

He added, “You will go to the Eastern Region and then you will see names such as Kojo Antwi, Nana Kwame Ampadu and so forth. We plan to have it in every region, to honour you [Ghana’s musicians].” 

“It creates employment. Besides, music tourism can attract visitors to our country, boosting the tourism sector and generating foreign exchange” he underlined.

“As you launch the Golden Jubilee Celebration, it is imperative to explore innovative ways to leverage the power of music to further our national development.”