Education Minister to face Parliament over Abraham Atta Ambassadorship

Europa

June 23, 2017 6:48 PM

The young actor has been chosen by the Akufo-Addo government to act as the Ambassador for the government’s flagship programme.

Education Minister and Abraham Atta

Ghana’s Minority in Parliament will soon table a motion in parliament following the government’s agreement with young Ghanaian actor, Abraham Atta to become the face of the Free Senior High School policy in Ghana.

The “Beast of no Nation” star has been chosen by the Akufo-Addo government to act as the Ambassador for the government’s flagship programme.

“We chose him because he is popular and has achieved a lot in what he does,” Education Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh told the media when he unveiled the young actor for the role at a brief ceremony Thursday.

But the Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Dr. Tawiah Augustine has described the move as needless.

Speaking to Accra-based Kasapa FM, he said: “I don’t see the real value of that initiative to put a face behind the free SHS programme. What is he going to contribute to help the policy? Is he the one going to assist the government provide funds for the programme or what? It will rather serve the purpose well if government had searched for a local student from some deprived village who has excelled to play that role than somebody living in the US who is eating burgers and hot dogs and has already become a Movie star.

“I’ll file a question before the House for the Minister to be invited over the issue. This free SHS Ambassadorship is a waste of money and even if the state is to spend a penny on it, I don’t think it is in the best interest of the nation.”

The 15-year old ambassador currently resides in the USA for his career and high school education.

He made his feature film debut in Beasts of No Nation (2015), playing a leading role of child soldier (Agu). He was awarded the Marcello Mastroianni’s Best Young Actor Award at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival.

In 2016, it was announced that he had been cast in the upcoming Marvel film Spider-Man: Homecoming.

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