Parliament on Monday approved an amount of GH¢43,948,409 budget estimate allocated to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for their services for the year 2017.

The allocation, the sector Minister, Madam Catherine Afeku disclosed, is to enable her outfit implement key programmes and activities this year.

According to her, government in pursuance of developing and promoting Ghana’s culture and creative arts, the Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Ministry will finalise a legal and regulatory framework for the culture and creative arts industry for submission to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration and approval.

Mrs. Afeku noted that government’s objective is to transform the country into a major Meeting, Incentive Conference and Exhibition Center (MICE) by aggressively developing the tourist sites.

She added that the Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project which will cover over 240 acres of land from Osu Christiansborg Castle to the Arts Center will be initiated this year.