Veteran actress Grace Omaboe, known in showbiz as Maame Dokono, is advocating the decoupling of creative arts from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to ensure proper running of affairs in the creative arts industry.

Speaking on New Day, TV3’s magazine show, on Monday, she observed the industry has been relegated to the background and the focus shifted more on tourism.

“I don’t think they should attach the Creative Arts to the Tourism Ministry. They should have separate ministries,” she said.

In her estimation, persons placed at the helm of affairs at the ministry do not understand the creative arts industry.

She also raised concerns over the lack of investment and proper measures put in place by the ministry towards the development of stage drama in the country.

“These days, apart from Ebo Whyte and a few others, there are no stage plays. They should try and revive some of these plays,” she urged.

On the issue of some veterans appealing for funds through the media, Maame Dokono indicated the situation was a sad sight to behold.

“I was also not paid well just like the others, but I don’t like the situation where some of us will come and sit on air and solicit for funds, begging or crying,” she said

She therefore cautioned young and upcoming creative arts persons to desist from spending lavishly, and rather invest to avoid going bankrupt and later resorting to solicitation of funds to survive.