By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Nov 18, GNA – Mr. Divine Richard Komla Bosson, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ho and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ho Central, has unveiled plans to build a modern theatre in Ho with a seating capacity of approximately 2,000.
He emphasized that the facility would not only serve the performing arts in Ho but would also cater to the entire Volta Region, providing a platform for cultural and artistic expression.
Mr. Bosson made the announcement during the Ho Central Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) debate organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
In response to a question from the moderator, Mr Andrews Adugu, a Senior State Attorney, about revitalizing nightlife in Ho, Mr. Bosson outlined his vision for the city’s cultural scene.
The moderator highlighted that back in the days the only vibrant events such as the “Bob Marley Night” and “SHS Leavers’ Night” only kept nightlife in Ho, asking Mr. Bosson and Mr. Klutse what plans they had to revive the city’s nightlife.
Mr. Bosson acknowledged that while Ho’s nightlife was slowly improving with the emergence of 24-hour pubs and nightclubs, there were concerns from the public regarding noise and disturbances.
He noted that the core issue remained the lack of support for the performing arts sector. He lamented the underutilization of talented musicians from the region, including Israel Mawueta, Chief One, and many emerging artists, who struggled due to a lack of proper infrastructure and financial backing.
He shared that, he was advised by Togbi Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State to introduce an arts festival in Ho to showcase the Ho and the region’s talents.
He believed that building a new, larger theatre would provide the necessary platform and financial opportunities for local performers, including musicians, actors, and stage artists, to thrive.
Mr. Bosson acknowledged that there was an existing facility under the Center for National Culture that could be renovated.
However, he pointed out that it lacked the capacity to serve Ho’s growing population and did not meet the current needs of the city’s entertainment scene.
He stressed that his proposed theatre, under the ownership of the Ho Municipal Assembly, would be designed to accommodate a larger audience and provide a modern space for performances.
Elorm Binney, a respected artist manager in the Volta Region, commented on the challenges facing the arts industry.
He argued that while infrastructure was a significant issue, the main barriers were the lack of human capital development and financial support.
He suggested that in addition to building new venues, there must be a concerted effort to invest in the skills and careers of local artists.
The IPDC debate was designed to bring together all four parliamentary candidates for Ho Central to share their policies and plans for the constituency, while also promoting peace and unity ahead of the elections.
However, according to Mr. Vincent Adzikah, the NCCE Director in Ho, despite invitations being sent to all candidates, only two participated.
Mr. Divine Richard Komla Bosson of the NPP and Mr. Mawulorm Kwami Klutse, an Independent Candidate, were present and took part in the discussions. The NDC candidate, Mr. Edem Kofi Kpotosu, and Mr. Vide Nelson of the National Democratic Party (NDP) were absent, with no official explanation given.
The event concluded with calls for collaboration and commitment from the candidates present, as they pledged to work towards the development of Ho Central and maintain peace during the election period.
GNA