Ghanaian broadcaster Austine Woode, based in the United Kingdom, has expressed his disappointment with the answers given by Abla Dzifa Gomashie during her vetting on Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts appeared before the Appointments Committee and faced questions on various topics related to culture, arts, and tourism.
Woode, speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, expressed his surprise at Gomashie’s response to a question about the Creative Arts Fund. He questioned her understanding of the issues in the sector, especially considering her experience as a former Deputy Minister and Member of Parliament.
He pointed out that Gomashie’s failure to mention the 1% levy stipulated in the Creative Arts Industry Act was concerning. Woode emphasized the importance of the Minister being knowledgeable about the sector she is tasked with overseeing.
Woode also criticized the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, for asking leading questions during the vetting process. He highlighted a particular question about the sustainability of the Creative Arts Fund, which he found lacking in depth and understanding.
During the vetting, Gomashie mentioned the importance of making the Creative Arts Fund a revolving one, where domains can access funds and generate returns for future beneficiaries. She also expressed her intention to evaluate the functions of the Creative Arts Agency and work closely with the National Commission on Culture and the ministry.
In response to the criticism, Gomashie promised to focus on addressing the pressing needs of the agency and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve the sector.
