President John Mahama has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Ghana into West Africa’s premier hub for international events.
He has announced the immediate refurbishment of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) and the construction of a new, state-of-the-art convention facility.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Friday, the President emphasised the need for world-class infrastructure to attract global conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment events.
“Mr. Speaker, in line with our new national efforts to bring events and conferences to Ghana, we are going to undertake the refurbishment of the Accra International Conference Centre to restore it to its iconic past as the country’s national and international events and conference venue,” he declared.
President Mahama revealed that the original builders of the AICC have already been engaged to assess the structure.
“Mr. Speaker, the original contractors of the centre have conducted a structural integrity assessment at the request of the Office of the Chief of Staff and made recommendations for the facility’s renovation and refurbishment. They will commence this work in the next few weeks.”
However, the President acknowledged that one facility is insufficient for the country’s ambitions.
“But Mr. Speaker, the AICC is not enough for a country seeking to develop its creative sector and become West Africa’s destination for meetings, conferences, musicals, concerts, and entertainment.”
To bridge this gap, he announced a public-private partnership to deliver a larger, more versatile venue.
“So working with the private sector, work will also commence this year on a befitting convention and creative events centre to position Ghana as West Africa’s leading hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and creative events.”
In a final note on upgrading national assets, President Mahama added, “Ghana will also begin this year the renovation of the State Banquet Hall, which has been closed for a couple of years.”
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
