I am Kyidom Bright, a blogger, journalist, and member of the Arts & Tourism Writers Association. On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at a stakeholder engagement in Kumasi, I had the chance to stand face to face with Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, the Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts & Culture.
The event was buzzing with questions, but one issue weighed heavily on my mind — the issue of experience and competence. So I asked him boldly:
👉 Why didn’t you tell President Akufo-Addo that you had no experience in tourism, arts, or the creative industry before accepting this ministerial appointment?
This question wasn’t born out of malice. It came from my background and observations. Through my work with Aben FM and my platform, Kyidomonline, I have seen how demanding the creative arts and tourism space can be. Leadership here requires more than political loyalty — it requires vision, deep understanding, and readiness.
To his credit, Minister Egyapa Mercer didn’t dodge my question. He openly admitted that he feels limited in some areas of the sector. He explained that he intends to rely on professionals and stakeholders for support and guidance as he grows into the role.
But even as he acknowledged this shortcoming, I couldn’t help but reflect: How fast can someone without industry experience catch up? Tourism and creative arts in Ghana need more than promises; they need action, expertise, and results. Leadership here cannot be experimental — it must be intentional and effective from day one.
In my follow-up remarks, I drew comparisons with leaders like Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, who came into office with direct experience in the industry. For me, the concern is not about political positions, but about whether our arts, culture, and tourism sectors will thrive under leadership that must learn on the job.
At the end of the day, my question to the Minister wasn’t about confrontation. It was about accountability. Our creative and tourism industries deserve leaders who combine humility with competence, who listen but also know how to act.
This moment reminded me that sometimes, asking the hard questions is the most patriotic thing one can do.
0 comments:
Post a Comment