Former Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has advised the government to steer clear of directly financing museums built in honour of deceased celebrities, warning that such initiatives could easily spark public backlash and claims of favouritism.
Speaking on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz, Okraku-Mantey argued that while preserving the history and legacy of Ghana’s entertainment icons is important, state involvement in memorial projects dedicated to individuals risks creating tensions. He explained that building a museum for one high-profile figure but not for another could lead to perceptions of bias, ultimately damaging the government’s reputation.
As an alternative, he recommended that the state focus on providing support in indirect ways—such as allocating land for projects—while leaving the financing, construction, and long-term upkeep to private investors, community groups, and traditional authorities. He pointed to the Kwahu chiefs’ ongoing efforts to establish a museum in memory of the late highlife legend Nana Kwame Ampadu as a prime example of how such projects can be driven locally without political interference.
According to him, this approach not only avoids political fallout but also ensures that the facilities are maintained by those with a vested interest in their success, noting that government-run infrastructure already faces significant maintenance challenges.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
