Gov’t Signs MOU With Bengbu International Technology To Construct Theater In Kumasi
The Government of the Republic of Ghana, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between China Bengbu International Technology & Economic Cooperation Ltd for the Construction of a Theatre/Conference Centre in Kumasi.
The ultra-modern theater is designed for large conference, drama, music performance and modern dance.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, speaking at designed of MOU in Kumasi Golden Bean Hotel said the theater will have 2000 seats in the main auditorium. “There would be a hall for 600 seats to meet specially tailored conferences and meetings. The theater will combine with the entrance foyer to form an open Exhibition Area. The theater will also boast of a top-notch catering facility.”
She stressed that, the theater when completed will not only add to the architectural and cultural skyline of Kumasi. It will also bring new energies into the arts and culture space in and around Kumasi such as the commercial, economic and social energies to be drawn from the many events that it will host.
According to her, the 2020 Global Peace Index Report, ranked Ghana as the most peaceful country in the West African sub-region and third on the continent. The African Report in 2020 added that the creative arts sector generates $4.2bn in revenue across the continent. Literature is replete with examples that the nexus between tourism and the creative arts sector can be synergistic.
The creative arts sector has complementary and reinforcing attributes for the tourism and hospitality industry as whole.
Hon. Barbara Oteng noted that, government is committed to increase the country’s unique selling proposition in the creative arts sector cannot be overlooked, the announced support for the Creative Arts sector and Conference of Independent Universities and the Tourism Development Project Fund are some of the examples in this regard.
The Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi, said The establishment of the modern theatre/Conference Centre in Kumasi will creates employment, increase in business and event tourism as well as the spill over effects on ancillary arts and culture space in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region and even beyond. It’s a known fact that the construction of the conference centre has been the long awaiting for the people of Kumasi and am happy the signing of this MOU today for the relaxation of this dream.
Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi indicated that, Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly is a seat of Asante kingdom and as such it is recognized as an important centre for tourism culture and tradition which makes the metropolis the hub tourist destination in Ashanti region.
Kumasi is noted for it rich of culture tradition but this city Kumasi has it fundamental challenged in tourism especially when we talk about tourism related infrastructure.
The Construction of this modern theater/Conference Centre in Kumasi is therefore a timely solution to the challenged of providing sweet table infrastructure to market to Kumasi as the capital of Ashanti region and second largest city of Ghana.
This project will not only serve as an alternative to the Accra International Conference Centre but provide a solid foundation for the economic and social economic development of the county as wile as the development of the region and the city as large.