Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, recently revealed that there was significant opposition within the music industry to the government’s proposal for a new recording studio.
This initiative, promised in the 2020 manifesto, aimed to provide an advanced recording facility at a reduced cost for artists. However, four years later, the promise remains unfulfilled.
During the 3Entertainment Creative Arts forum on August 30, Okraku Mantey explained that the industry was divided on the issue.
“the industry fought against it, it is explicit and it was all over. Some were for, some were against but the against were higher.”
While some supported the idea, the opposition was stronger.
Critics argued that existing studios were already meeting their needs and suggested that the funds be distributed among industry professionals instead.
“If the industry shows interest that we should build, why not. The industry rejected and said we should share the money amongst them but they already have studios which were doing well,” he stated.
Notably, Nacee, a well-known figure in the industry, was mentioned as having been vocal against the proposal.
According to Okraku Mantey, Nacee had previously expressed support but recently changed his stance, now believing that the studio is no longer necessary.
“You can quote me anywhere. Nacee, a few weeks ago was on Hitz FM, he went to Peace FM again and was asked and he said at the time, he supported but he feels that now, we don’t need it.”