Funds have been secured for the completion of the Western Region Centre for National Culture edifice which has been left to deteriorate over the years.
Lawyer Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister-designate for the Ministry for Tourism, Arts and Culture and Member of Parliament for Sekondi disclosed this in an interview with Connect FM’s Omanbapa Morning Show team on May 6, 2024.
The Center for National Culture edifice situated at Fijai in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis has over the years been left to deteriorate.
Exterior of the building.
The centre, which was built to host events and showcase the rich culture of the country, has over the years failed to perform its responsibilities due to its dilapidated nature.
Refuse has taken over the premises of the centre with thieves hiding in there to terrorize innocent residents.
The environment overgrowing with weeds.
The roofing is weak and leaks badly whenever there is a heavy downpour. Several calls by residents for attention have remained unsuccessful. Lawyer Andrew Egyapa Mercer has assured that a contractor will soon be seen on-site to complete the project.
According to him, all negotiations about the project have been concluded and the contractor will soon move to the site.
“I have consistently read stories on commitments made by my predecessor to complete the project but now I’m in the driver’s seat on behalf of the President. We have concluded all negotiations on the project and very soon, we shall see a contractor on site to make sure the project is completed before December. I’m not sure I will be forgiven if I’m unable to do such a tourism project that has been outstanding in my constituency for all these years”, he indicated.
He adds that an amount of GHC43 million has been earmarked for the project which is scheduled to be completed before December 2024.
“The structure is there, it’s just finishing and external works which will cost us around GHC43 million. We are currently waiting for the commencement certificate from the Ministry of Finance which we shall hopefully secure by next week and by the end of May, we should have a contractor on site to make sure the project is completed before December”, he added.
Source: Eric Nana Gyetuah