The maiden edition of Pama Fest, to celebrate poetry, animation, music and fine arts in Ghana, has been held.
The festival, which took place at the Afua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra, was held for two days.
Speaking at the launch of Pama Fest, a Deputy Minister of Information, Pius Enam Hadzide stated that the government was bent on promoting the creative arts industry.
He added that, “We’re all aware that government is bent on promoting the creative arts industry. Currently, there’s a bill in parliament that hopefully shall be passed to give legislative effect to what the President’s commitment is.
“The intellectual property laws that we have are being looked at with a view of protecting the intellectual works of people in the creative art industry.”
Pius Enam Hadzide said that Ghana has a proud and rich history as far as the creative arts industry was concerned, noting that the country can boast of some of the finest, talented and creative people in Africa.
“Talk about music, poetry, drama, painting and so on, Ghana occupies a high place of pride not only in Africa, but the global space,” Mr Hadzide further mentioned.
This kind of festivals, he indicated, have become popular in other parts of world and have become a major source of foreign exchange, expressing that “if anybody wants to put together any idea with a view to celebrate our rich Ghanaian history and culture, it’s worth commending”.
Talking about opportunities in the industry, Mr Hadzide pointed that the industry has huge potential as far as job creation was concerned, stating that Ghana has billionaires in the industry with the likes of Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale and Kuami Eugene, and they are creating employment and generating revenues not just for themselves but their teams as well.
The president of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng, also averred that “the money that comes from the creative arts industry is very substantial and so it should not be looked down upon”.
He, therefore, appealed to the government to strengthen support for the industry, adding, “I’ll also bring my support when I’m called upon.”
Pama Festival is a distinct creative arts event to celebrate poetry, animation, music and fine arts in Ghana.
The festival was held for two days, comprising poetry performances, animations, a music concert, as well as art exhibition and gaming sessions.
Steve Bedi, a saxophonist, and Kuami Eugene, a highlife and afrobeats singer, thrilled the audience with sterling performances.
Source: The Finder
