Until my appointment, I knew nothing about tourism, arts and culture – Andrew Egyapa Mercer

Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, Member of Parliament for the Sekondi Constituency in the Western Region of Ghana and Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, has called on industry practitioners to support his administration's success.

During a meeting with industry practitioners in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Mercer acknowledged his limited knowledge of the sector and emphasised the need for their assistance to enhance it.

"Honestly, until February 14th (when I was appointed), I knew nothing about tourism, arts, and culture. I always worked as a lawyer until 2016, when I went to parliament as a Member of Parliament, representing the good people of Sekondi. Under Nana Addo's second term, he asked me to assist Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh at the Ministry of Energy, where I've been working for the past few years," Mercer stated.

He expressed regret for not being involved in the sector sooner.

"Considering my engagements since my appointment, I wish I had been introduced to the sector earlier because it is an extremely interesting and exciting space with huge potential for transforming our country and the economy. As I said, I don't know much, so I can only depend on you, who know the sector and the industry, to help me so that I can help you," he added.

Mercer also lamented the lack of attention given to culture and the creative arts by successive governments, as opposed to tourism.

"Unfortunately, successive governments have not paid attention to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Even if they have, the focus has been more on tourism than creative arts and culture.

"That position, I think, has to change. I admit tourism brings in a lot of revenue, but it's the arts and culture that will get people to want to come to Ghana and spend money here," he explained.

Among those present at the meeting were creative arts practitioners including Asanteman Nwonkro, Aboagye Dacosta, Asennua, Amenfi, Mr. Samuel Nyamekye (Miracle Films), Augustina Addison, Kwaku Twumasi, Directors of the Centre for National Culture, Deputy Minister of Arts and Tourism, Mark Okraku Mantey, and others.

On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, President Akufo-Addo announced a new Minister for the Ministry of Arts and Tourism following a reshuffle in his government.

He is yet to be approved by Parliament.