The recent arrests of several Ghanaian businessmen by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), reportedly in connection with internet fraud schemes, could deliver a significant blow to the country’s entertainment industry, according to Ghanaian media personality MC Portfolio.
While the FBI’s actions have sparked widespread discussion both online and offline, MC Portfolio has offered a distinct perspective, emphasizing the alleged role these individuals have played in sustaining Ghana’s creative sector.
Speaking during a discussion on Fakye TV, MC Portfolio highlighted the long-standing struggle of the Ghanaian entertainment industry to attract sufficient investment. He contended that the individuals now facing legal trouble were among the few who had shown genuine interest in the sector and were actively funding it.
MC Portfolio argued that these businessmen were instrumental in keeping the arts alive by providing crucial platforms, resources, and financial support to musicians and other creatives.
“It’s pathetic that these people are on the FBI list, unfortunately, there’s an unspoken truth, but I have to say it,” MC Portfolio lamented. “There is something called investment drought where, the movie industry, music industry and the entertainment industry are calling for investors to invest in their sector, unfortunately these are the people who have shown interest in our industry (entertainment industry).”
He continued, “They are investing in our industry, they are giving the artistes the right value for money, they are the ones building the facilities needed to enhance the creative activities, they are keeping the culture alive, so now what do we do?”
MC Portfolio further raised critical questions about why such individuals seemingly only engage with the entertainment space when seeking to launder money, noting that many of them own some of the biggest nightclubs in the country. These establishments, he pointed out, frequently serve as vital venues where Ghanaian artistes gain opportunities to perform and earn decent pay.
“Why do they find it comfortable to enter our space only when they want to wash their money, they own some of the biggest clubs in the country, which is why someone can spend one billion a night there,” he stated. “They have created the facilities to organise shows for our artistes so that they get the chance to perform, and they pay our artistes the right cheque.”
MC Portfolio concluded by labeling the current situation a “wake-up call” for the Ghanaian creative industry. He urged stakeholders to fundamentally rethink how the industry is positioned and marketed, particularly with a view to attracting legitimate and sustainable investors.
“It is our industry (entertainment industry) that they use for their money laundering, so now it’s a wake-up call for us on how we market our industry for legit business owners,” he emphasized.
Source: http://thepressradio.com
