Controversial movie producer Socrates Sarfo has described the vetting of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts Minister-designate Catherine Afeku by the Appointments Committee on Monday, February 7 as disappointing.
Mr. Sarfo revealed he was unhappy about the questions posed to Mrs Afeku when she appeared before the committee, observing they were mainly focused on tourism. Speaking to Accra-based AccraFM, Mr. Sarfo commented:
“I was a bit disappointed that the whole thing was geared towards tourism; that was the only thing [about the vetting] that bothered me because the Creative Arts sector is the engine that propels tourism. Without a vibrant Creative Arts sector, you can’t have a good tourism industry.”
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The ‘Hot Fork’ film producer explained that with the tourism sector “not doing well” in spite of increased investments, it was time for the state to promote the creative arts industry on the back of which more tourists will flock into the country.
"If we are to sell our creative arts, tourists will come. I am not disappointed with the lady (Catherine Afeku), but I am disappointed with the questions parliament, the country’s law-making body, asked. Because it (the ministry) is Creative Arts, Culture and Tourism; tourism is not the only reason why she has been made minister – she is Minister-[designate] for Creative Arts and Culture as well,” he added.
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The race for who becomes the deputy minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has become a matter of public debate.
The likes of Socrates Sarfo and Kojo Antwi have all been mentioned as possible names to be considered for the position.