The Paramount Chief of the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, has called on government officials, academics, industry players and students to recognize the role of the arts as a catalyst for national development and to pay critical attention to advocating for the industry.

Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, gave the call during the Open Day and Exhibition launch of Takoradi Technical University’s Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology, FAAT, to commence the Faculty’s Week celebration.

The Faculty Week Celebration is to showcase students’ creativity, connect with industries for internship, promote community outreach, and inspire a generation of creative thinkers for national development.

The Open Day which also attracted students from the Second Cycle schools in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis was on theme; “Creativity in Motion: Rekindling the Arts for National Development”.

Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, highlighting the benefits of the creative industry, said it is a major contributor to GDP worldwide.

“I want to encourage all stakeholders—including government officials, academics, industry leaders, and students—to recognize the role of the arts as a catalyst for development and to consider how they might each advocate for the arts…in Ghana, the creative arts industry encompasses diverse areas, including music, film, fashion, and visual arts, which boost employment, attract tourists, and create entrepreneurial opportunities. By investing in the education of creative arts, we are empowering youth to turn their passion into careers,” he said.

He further encouraged students to use the opportunity to showcase their talents and leverage their creativity to inspire development.

Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, also speaking at the Open Day, said the celebration reflects the University’s commitment to projecting the faculty to the general public and inviting them to appreciate the rich diversity the students and the faculty have to offer.

Rev. Eshun, reflecting on the power of arts, said it inspires, provokes thought, and brings people together.

Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology, Prof. Owusu Ansah-Ankrah, on his part said the Open Day celebration is aimed at showcasing how creativity moves from just an idea to tangible artifacts that can improve lives and communities.

He expressed pride in the students’ determination to learn, ask hard questions, and challenge assumptions.

The President of the Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology Students Association, Derick Darko, reiterated the arts’ contribution to building industries, shaping education, and transforming governance.

He said creativity is not limited by resources; rather, it grows stronger the more you tap into it.

The Open Day was also used to launch the week-long exhibition at the faculty, showcasing creative works by students and experiential training. There will be a series of activities throughout the week, including lecture series, a fashion show, community outreach, jams, interdepartmental sports, a faculty awards night, an art walk, and an eating competition.