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Kofi Akpaloo
Kofi Akpaloo

IPP's Presidential candidate, Akpaloo to save creative arts

 

Independent People’s Party (IPP), Presidential candidate, Mr. Kofi Akpaloo, says he has the creative arts industry at heart and has ‘big’ plans that could transform the sector if ever he becomes President after the December general polls.

Mr Akpaloo is promising to pump GH¢200 million into the sector to make it more attractive and viable than what it presently is.

Speaking with Showbiz when he visited its offices last Monday, the 46-year-old presidential hopeful bemoaned the state of the creative industry which he said had the potential of raking in huge economic benefits if catered for.

“Our Nigerian brothers are far to ahead of us when it comes show business and we are here marking time. This is because our industry has been neglected and we will invest in the sector and make it vibrant when we come to power,” he said.

The GH¢200 million,  according to Mr Akpaloo,  will  be invested in institutions such as the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) recognised bodies within  the industry, develop infrastructures, among others. 

“There are many talents that are going to waste in the country. My government will assist music and film producers with the needed resources to hunt for such hidden talents which will be beneficial to the country as a whole.

“Again, we will build venues and refurbish existing venues and give loans to companies to invest in the industry,” he stated.

According to the native of Anyarko in the Volta Region, he will also pump cash into the local movies popularly known as Kumawood whose survival is being threatened by foreign telenovelas like KumKum Bhagya. 

“We are all witnesses to how these series are gradually killing the local movie industry. This is because Kumawood lacks the expertise and the resources to bring out quality production to compete with these foreign TV series,” he said.

Mr Akpaloo who was born and raised in Kumasi said he has dreams to make Ghana an enviable country on the continent. “I have a vision which I hope to achieve when elected at President of Ghana”, he added.

In 2004, the IPP presidential candidate stood as an independent parliamentary candidate in Manhyia constituency now known as Manhyia North. He lost to Dr Kwame Addo  Kufour, the National Patriotic Party’s(NPP) candidate at the time.

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