Deputy Minister designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ziblim Bari Iddi is optimistic that Government will this year (2017) initiate the project on the construction of theatres promised by the ruling New Patriotic Party during the campaign period.

In a telephone interview with host of Kasapa Entertainment, Kojo Preko Dankwa on Kasapa 102.5Fm, Dr. Iddi said promises made by his government under tourism, culture and arts industry is not a lip service as many might presume.

“I’ve good news for you… I just checked the budget… we didn’t put it in the manifesto for the fun of winning votes. I think we made room in the budget to start some of these things. So you’re going to see to it that during the course of this year, we’re not going to wait till the end of the four years or eight years. You’re going to see us making some moves and try to start some of these projects in the manifesto. Work on the new theatres is one area that we will dwell on this year.”

The Member of Parliament for Gusheigu in the Northern region indicated that the measures put in place to help boost the Tourism, Arts and Culture industry by the Ministry will be prudently explored to create enabling environment for investors.

“This government will be seen in the end to be a friend of this industry and I think that with my minister, Madam Catherine, you’ve a friend and I think you will see us deliver on the manifesto promises that we made.”

The manifesto said the NPP government will focus on transforming the country into a major Meeting, Incentive, Conference, & Exhibition (MICE) centre, as well as on expanding the tourism sector, through investment, innovation, the pursuit of service excellence and meaningful partnerships. This will enable tourism to become a major revenue- generating sector that provides safe, memorable and enjoyable experience for tourists.

Hon. Dr. Ziblim Barri Iddi holds Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (International Relations and Comparative Politics) from Clark Atlanta University, Masters in International Affairs and Development (MIAD), Clark Atlanta University and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Ghana.