Deal to host Afro Nation for 5 years in Ghana needless – Ola Michael

Entertainment critic Ola Michael has described the contract extension to host Afro Nation for five consecutive years in Ghana as needless. 

According to him, the government of Ghana could have invested in local events rather than a foreign one which seeks to promote other countries instead.

News broke on Tuesday morning suggesting Ghana has closed a deal with Event Horizon Entertainment Ltd, organisers of the popular Afro Nation concert to host the show for five years.

The deal was signed between the Tourism Ministry and the entertainment House in the UK witnessed by President Akufo-Addo.

Announcing the deal on Facebook, cousin the President Gabby Otchere Darko wrote: “a major highlight of this maiden UK-Africa Summit is the 5-year Africa exclusive events deal for Ghana to host Afro Nation annually.”

As many have expressed mixed reactions over the signing. While some described it as a good deal, others have expressed disappointment and worry.

However Ola Michael, speaking on Best Entertainment Show on Okay FM argued that the initiative will rather leave the Ghanaian event organizer in limbo.

”I am hurt. I am hurt by the events that are unfolding. When we ranted over Afrima, it was not because there was no Ghanaian involved but rather we felt when same support is spearheaded on local goods, they can do more and even better. We felt if we could be given same level of support, we can also do marvelous even than the Nigerians.

”If our own government seems to be pushing agenda of other countries then there is a problem. Afrochela was initiated by a local person, the impact was great. Government could invest in that side also, your own blood for better development. There is no hope for this country, there is no hope for the young people coming up. The least they could have done was to invest into the sector, Afro Nation isn’t a Ghanaian property, it is someone’s initiative. We can create and develop our own initiative as well.” he said.

Afro Nation was founded by Adesegun Adeosun aka SMADE of Smade Entertainment and his partner Obi Asika. It started in May 2018 in Portugal to sell African culture to Europe.

Ghana’s edition of the concert which was held from December 27 to 30, 2019, was the first time it was held in Africa.