Dzifa Gomashie reacts to calls for presidential debate on arts

A number of industry players have thrown their weight behind arts advocate and television presenter Kwame Dadzie’s call on stakeholders of the creative arts to organize a debate for all presidential aspirants before the 2016 general elections.

Mr Dadzie’s proposal follows a consistent neglect of the arts during Presidential Debates organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

According to him, Presidential Debate on Arts would psychologically inspire the politician to ‘think arts’ and fine solutions to the numerous problems plaguing the creative arts industry.

Reacting to the call on Radio Univers’ The Big X show on Saturday, Hon Dzifa Gomashie, Deputy Minister of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts welcomed the idea.

“Hallelujah! Let them bring it on,” she said.

Some stakeholders have remarked that most governments have not shown much interest in the arts. They have argued that courses related to arts are not given the necessary attention and recognition as teaching and learning materials have not been provided to schools.

Concerns about limited venues for events have also been raised among other things.

The thoughts of government not showing support to the arts escalated when the President in a tweet wished radio and television personality, Afia Schwarzenegger a happy birthday and failed to wish Grammy award nominee, Rocky Dawuni the best prior to and on the day of the event.