The Need For A Purpose-Built Event Centre In The Ashanti Region – An Open Letter To Dr. Frank Amoakohene
OPEN LETTER TO THE ASHANTI REGIONAL MINISTER – The Need for a Purpose-Built Event Centre in the Ashanti Region
From: Rev. Daniel Ankufio
Date: October 6, 2025
Dear Honourable Regional Minister, Warm greetings in the name of our Lord. I write to you as a concerned citizen and a lover of Ghanaian art and culture, moved by recent events that have once again revealed both the promise and the pressing infrastructural gaps within our beloved Ashanti Region.
On behalf of many residents and admirers of Ghana’s creative industry, I wish to first extend heartfelt congratulations to Michael Owusu Addo, affectionately known as Sarkodie, and his entire team for the successful organization of the Rapaholic Concert in Kumasi. Despite the heavy downpour on the day of the event, the show went on remarkably well, reaffirming Sarkodie’s professionalism, stage mastery, and unwavering commitment to his fans.
The resilience and patience displayed by patrons who braved the rains to support the event deserve high commendation. Indeed, their passion speaks volumes about the love and pride Ghanaians have for our local music icons.
However, Honourable Minister, while the success of the concert is worth celebrating, it has also raised critical concerns regarding security, safety, and infrastructural preparedness for large-scale events in the region.
Reports and firsthand accounts suggest that there was little or no adequate security arrangement in place to manage the large crowd that gathered at the venue. During the torrential rains, the absence of a properly covered and structured facility could easily have resulted in chaos or a tragic stampede. By divine providence, we were spared any disaster — but we must not always rely on grace where foresight and planning should prevail.
It is in this spirit that I respectfully appeal to your esteemed office, as the representative of His Excellency the President in the Ashanti Region, to prioritize and fast-track the construction of a modern multi-purpose event and convention centre in Kumasi. Such a facility, with seating capacity comparable to or exceeding that of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, will serve as a safe, dignified, and climate-resilient venue for hosting both national and international events.
The Ashanti Region, being a cultural hub and the heartbeat of Ghana’s tourism, deserves a world-class event centre that meets modern safety, sound, and security standards. This infrastructure will not only boost the local economy and support the creative arts but also enhance Ghana’s image as a safe destination for global entertainment and cultural gatherings.
Honourable Minister, the Rapaholic experience has proven that Kumasi has the audience, the energy, and the passion — all that is lacking is the infrastructure to match this enthusiasm. The time to act is now.
Once again, I congratulate Sarkodie and his team for putting up such a phenomenal show that celebrated Ghanaian talent and unity. Let this moment inspire us all — government, artists, and citizens alike — to build the future our people deserve.
Yours faithfully,
Rev. Daniel Ankufio
(Concerned Citizen)
