Talks between the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Tourism Ministry and a group – mostly top film stars in London, United Kingdom – have progressed steadily aimed at developing a 400 acre film production facility in Accra.
The project is expected to begin this year and will come with first class film studios to develop and train Ghanaians in the sector as Ghana marks the year of return, an event expected to bring investors and tourists to invest in the economy.
This is part of concerted efforts and policy direction by the GIPC and the Tourism Ministry to showcase Ghana to the international community and is geared towards boosting investment and employment opportunities in the sector
The move will enable businesses entities and start-ups to leverage on the various business and investment opportunities in the industry.
Aside this, British businesswoman, Naomi Campbell will soon lead a group of investors into the country to explore the vast potentials for establishing businesses, and building the capacity of the youth to identify such opportunities and take advantage of them.
This development follows a recent discussion between Ms. Campbell and the Chief Executive Officer of the GIPC, Yofi Grant during last month’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Speaking to the Goldstreet Business during the launch of the 4th Ghana CEO Summit held in Accra, Mr. Grant said his outfit was determined to ensure that businesses, start-ups and the youth take advantage of the vast upcoming investment and business opportunities.
“Tourism was seen as luxury, but now it’s a lifestyle. When tourists come, they are not just coming to look. They eat, rent rooms, purchase artistic works and show interest in other important things. All these are investments they are actually putting into the economy. So, the demand is there”, he reiterated.
Meanwhile, the redevelopment of Accra Marine Drive Project is expected to commence in earnest to enable tourists and visitors coming to Ghana for the year of return have a feel of Ghana’s culture specifically with regards to the lay out, design and facilities put up.
The masterplan of the project has been fused with the culture, modern technologies and infrastructure to express the country’s past through artistic works. One of the places that is expected to have a significant change in setting is the Black Star Square.
The project is estimated to cost around US$1.5 billion which will be privately developed. Developers have already secured funding for the project. The redevelopment will include building first class hotels, conference and cultural centres along the stretch of beach front. The project seeks to transform the sea front properties from Osu Christianborg Castle to the Arts Centre into a vibrant business hub.
By Dundas Whigham
