The Tourism Ministry in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is collating information with the help of industry players to ascertain the extent of damage the coronavirus has had on it.

Barbara Oteng Gyasi, the Tourism Minister said the information would be sent to the Finance Ministry to get aid for members in the industry who can continue their work through innovative means until the outbreak is over.

“We want to make sure that the industry is not completely crippled by the outbreak by the time it’s over. I think that the government has demonstrated willingness to help the industry,” she said in an interview on Accra-based 3FM on Saturday.

Mrs Oteng Gyasi bemoaned the industry’s inability to leverage on the success of the Year of Return to grow the industry because of the coronavirus.

She urged people in the art especially musicians to find ways they can generate income while looking to re-book their shows.

“This is where accessing our movies, music and others through various platforms becomes significant. So that even if you can’t hold an event in a location, we can still have something online which can help generate some income.”

She added that her team is reviewing some of these strategies and solutions to help create these outlets for creatives until the threat of the virus is over.

“I think this is a learning curve for us and as soon as possible through the interim [Creative Arts] council, we will put some in place to support our artists.”