Entertainment entrepreneur turned politician, Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu, has strongly criticized the Ghana Trade Fair Company for its recent demolition of the Fantasy Dome on Saturday, March 16.
The NDC Parliamentary candidate for Okaikwei Central expressed his disappointment with the insensitivity shown towards investors in the creative industry during an interview on TV3’s The Afternoon Show.
Sadiq emphasized that the Trade Fair Company could have handled the situation more tactfully, especially considering the limited availability of event venues in the creative arts space. He pointed out that the lack of venues has been a major challenge for the industry, and the government’s failure to address this issue has put additional strain on investors.
According to Sadiq, the demolition of the Fantasy Dome, a renowned event center with a capacity of over 15,000 people, reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to supporting the creative sector. He lamented that such actions discourage investors from contributing to the industry and ultimately hinder its growth.
Furthermore, Sadiq highlighted the significant contributions of Leslie Quaynor, the CEO of the Fantasy Dome, to the improvement of the creative sector. He praised Quaynor for organizing major musical events that have not only generated revenue for talented artists but also created employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly.
The background to the demolition of the Fantasy Dome reveals that on March 16, unidentified individuals, allegedly with support from National Security officials, demolished the facility. Despite securing a court injunction to prevent the demolition, Quaynor claimed that the Ghana Trade Fair Company proceeded with the demolition, citing the expiration of the facility’s tenancy on December 31.
The disregard for the court injunction and the abrupt demolition of the Fantasy Dome have raised serious concerns about the treatment of investors in the creative industry. Sadiq’s criticism underscores the need for a more supportive and conducive environment for investors and entrepreneurs in the sector.
