TIG Post

Tag: Fantasy Dome

  • It was unfair to destroy Leslie’s Fantasy Dome – Okraku-Mantey

    It was unfair to destroy Leslie’s Fantasy Dome – Okraku-Mantey

    Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed his dissatisfaction at the destruction of the facility as result of the exercise about eight months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction work at the Trade Fair site.

    According to him, he felt there could have been a better way of dismantling the dome without damaging it.

    “I do not think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. Because if you meant well, [the structure was a] prefab. Just dismantle the man’s property. But I hear the people destroyed it.

    That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair; it was unfair to him. If it meant well, it should have been done well. Sometimes, you give instructions, and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he told Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz.

    When asked about the penalties imposed on workers responsible for the dome’s damage during dismantling, Mark Okraku-Mantey explained that the Trade Fair is not managed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

    He revealed that before the dome’s demolition, he had spoken with its owner, Leslie Quaynor, to explore relocation options.

    Okraku-Mantey shared that he had considered offering space at the National Museum but, unfortunately, the dome was too large for the location.

    About the demolition of the Fantasy Dome

    On Saturday, March 16, 2024, the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited demolished the 20,000-seater capacity Fantasy Dome.

    According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Trade Fair, Dr. Agnes Adu, the action was taken after giving the owner, the CEO of Fantasy Entertainment, Leslie Quaynor, about eight notices to vacate the leased premises for a redevelopment project of the place., as stated in their tenancy agreement.

    She stated redevelopment of the Trade Fair Centre had been ongoing for some time, and as such, all previous tenants, including owners of Fantasy Dome, had been given notice to move.

    “…the Fantasy Dome was the lone person holding out and refusing to move. And after 15 months of consistently giving notices to the owners of the Fantasy Dome, the owners and the developers, we had no choice but to dismantle so that we could continue with the work,” she noted.

    Dismantled Fantasy Dome

    Dr. Adu explained that Fantasy Entertainment’s agreement with the Trade Fair allowed the CEO sufficient time to remove his structures.

    Recounting the events leading to the demolition, Mr. Quaynor told JoyNews that his lease had expired and plans to relocate the dome were already in progress. He requested an extension, but the Trade Fair management declined.

    In an effort to protect his property, Mr. Quaynor sought a court injunction from an Accra High Court to stop the demolition and allow more time for relocation. The injunction was served at the Trade Fair’s premises.

    He described the demolition as a major setback, not just for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the dome to flourish.

  • Fantasy Dome management accused of allegedly tapping illegally to power – ECG

    Fantasy Dome management accused of allegedly tapping illegally to power – ECG

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has levelled accusations against operators of the now-demolished Fantasy Dome, formerly managed by Fantasy Entertainment at the Trade Fair site, for illegally tapping electricity through an unauthorized connection.

    During the recent demolition of the Fantasy Dome at the Accra Trade Fair, ECG revealed that it had unearthed an illicit power tap within the facility.

    In response, ECG has demanded that Fantasy Dome management submit a detailed report to the Revenue Protection National Taskforce at the ECG project office within 48 hours.

    A statement released by the Revenue Protection Division of ECG has urged Fantasy Dome owners to rectify their electricity connection status within the specified timeframe.

    Failure to comply could lead to the initiation of criminal proceedings.

    Simultaneously, the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited proceeded with the demolition of the Fantasy Dome on Saturday, 16 March 2024, as part of the ongoing Ghana International Trade Fair Center Development Project.

    This action follows the assertion by Leslie Quaynor, the CEO of Fantasy Entertainment, who claimed to have served the Trade Fair Company Limited with a court order to halt the demolition a claim vehemently denied by the Trade Fair Company Limited.

  • I’ve seen no returns on my investments – CEO of Fantasy Dome

    I’ve seen no returns on my investments – CEO of Fantasy Dome

    The Founder and CEO of Fantasy Dome, Leslie Quaynor, disclosed that he has yet to recover any of his investments from the venue since its establishment in 2018, now demolished.

    During an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Mr Quaynor explained that since the inception of Fantasy Dome five years ago, it has faced operational challenges, primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 and other factors.

    He further highlighted the terms of his lease agreement, noting that the Trade Fair Company was obligated to provide a six-month notice and alternative space within the Trade Fair for relocation.

    “Just when I started business in 2019, COVID came the next year. So for the next 2 and half years, I couldn’t work. And then right after COVID, around 2021 and 2022, they said they were going to do redevelopment. Then they started digging holes, which didn’t make it a medium to do business.”

    “So technically not only have I not worked, I haven’t even recouped any of my investments,” he added.

    Mr Quaynor emphasized the exorbitant costs associated with relocating the dome, particularly due to the condition of the Trade Fair grounds.

    Despite efforts to negotiate with CEO of Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, Dr. Agnes Adu, for an alternative arrangement, Quaynor’s requests were unsuccessful, ultimately preventing Fantasy Dome from operating.

    “They came back and said they are going to do re-rolling, so you have to move. But within the lease I had, they had to give me six months’ notice to relocate me within the trade fair for the balance of my term,” he said.

    “The toughest part is that the trade fair is filled with clay so you would have to excavate all of it and fill it. And that alone was two million dollars,” he said.

    “Unfortunately when she [Dr. Agnes Adu, CEO of Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited] came and said we would make space for you at the other side of the Trade Fair, I said to her, ‘Does that make sense? It’s only a year left to the end of my lease, you want me to spend 4 million dollars to do just a platform, for me to leave in a year,’ he added.

  • “In your own interest,” appear here within 48 hours – ECG goes after Fantasy Dome over illegal metre connection

    “In your own interest,” appear here within 48 hours – ECG goes after Fantasy Dome over illegal metre connection

    Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has accused the operators of the popular event venue, Fantasy Dome, of illegally connecting to the power grid.

    According to the ECG, Fantasy Dome has been bypassing its metre and unlawfully tapping into the public electricity network.

    In a notice dated Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the ECG instructed the owners of Fantasy Dome to correct their power connection within 48 hours of receiving the notice.

    The notice warned that failure to comply could lead to the ECG pursuing legal action against Fantasy Dome as it deems fit.

    “You are requested, in your own interest, to report within 48 hours from the date of this notice to (CSD) REVENUE PROTECTION NATIONAL TASKFORCE at the ECG PROJECT OFFICE BEHIND THE VIP TRANSPORT YARD (CIRCLE), preferably between the hours of 8.00 AM and 5.00 PM, to regularise your power service connection.

    You may bring along any relevant ECG document. ECG reserves the right to institute criminal proceedings against you at its own convenience.”

    During the weekend, the demolition of Fantasy Dome stirred up controversy.

    According to Leslie Quaynor, the CEO of Fantasy Dome, in an interview with Sammy Flex, the demolition was carried out by the Ghana Trade Fair Company with the help of some National Security operatives.

  • Leslie Quaynor to sue Ghana Trade Fair Company for destroying Fantasy Dome despite court injunction

    Leslie Quaynor to sue Ghana Trade Fair Company for destroying Fantasy Dome despite court injunction

    Fantasy Dome, one of Ghana’s largest and most renowned event centers, has been demolished, and CEO Leslie Quaynor has accused the Ghana Trade Fair Company of carrying out the demolition.

    In an interview, Quaynor expressed disappointment, noting that the demolition took place despite an ongoing court case regarding the relocation of Fantasy Dome.

    He mentioned obtaining a court injunction in January to allow time for relocation before any such action could occur, but alleged that the Trade Fair Company did not respond.

    Additionally, he has declared his intention to pursue legal action against the perpetrators for the substantial damage inflicted, notwithstanding the existing court injunction.

    Quaynor recounted receiving a distress call on Saturday morning regarding the presence of individuals purported to be national security operatives at the site.

    Despite rushing to the location, he arrived to find that the demolition had already begun.

    Assessing his losses, Quaynor lamented, “this is the Fantasy Dome of almost 8,000 square meters of event space. They pulled down all the structures, all my production, about 84 bathrooms, and production equipment. I witnessed four bulldozers demolishing the entire building.”

    Mr. Quaynor, deeply distressed by the incident, is urging the relevant authorities to intervene and hold accountable those responsible for the demolition.

    Furthermore, he voiced apprehension that such actions could discourage foreign investment in the country.

  • $5m fantasy Dome at Trade Fair demolished by gov’t

    $5m fantasy Dome at Trade Fair demolished by gov’t


    Fantasy Dome, one of Ghana’s largest and most renowned event centers, was reportedly demolished by unidentified individuals on Saturday.

    However, CEO Leslie Quaynor has accused the Ghana Trade Fair Company of carrying out the demolition.

    In an interview, Quaynor expressed disappointment, noting that the demolition took place despite an ongoing court case regarding the relocation of Fantasy Dome.

    He mentioned obtaining a court injunction in January to allow time for relocation before any such action could occur, but alleged that the Trade Fair Company did not respond.

    Quaynor recounted receiving a distress call on Saturday morning regarding the presence of individuals purported to be national security operatives at the site.

    Despite rushing to the location, he arrived to find that the demolition had already begun.

    Assessing his losses, Quaynor lamented, “this is the Fantasy Dome of almost 8,000 square meters of event space. They pulled down all the structures, all my production, about 84 bathrooms, and production equipment. I witnessed four bulldozers demolishing the entire building.”

    Mr. Quaynor, deeply distressed by the incident, is urging the relevant authorities to intervene and hold accountable those responsible for the demolition.

    Additionally, he has declared his intention to pursue legal action against the perpetrators for the substantial damage inflicted, notwithstanding the existing court injunction.

    Furthermore, he voiced apprehension that such actions could discourage foreign investment in the country.

  • Why Fantasy Dome was demolished

    Why Fantasy Dome was demolished

    On Saturday, March 16, 2024, bulldozers descended upon the Fantasy Dome, a prominent event center nestled in the heart of Accra, Ghana.

    With their departure, the once bustling 20,000-seat structure lay in ruins, its remnants scattered across the expansive grounds that had hosted numerous beloved entertainment spectacles over the years.

    Videos captured the extent of the destruction, revealing adjoining facilities also bearing the brunt of the demolition. Rooms housing essential equipment such as lighting and sound systems were among those adversely impacted.

    According to Leslie Quaynor, the CEO of Fantasy Entertainment, the demolition was executed by state security agents acting upon directives from the Ghana Trade Fair Company.

    This assertion finds support in accounts provided by pro-government Asaase Radio, which detailed the involvement of the Trade Fair Company Limited, the Ghana Police Service, and the National Security Ministry in the operation.

    However, Quaynor presented evidence of a court injunction issued in January 2024, barring any demolition of the structure. “

    “We currently have an injunction on Trade Fair and the property which stops them from doing exactly this. There are better ways to handle this especially when you are going against the law,” he added.

    “The CEO of Fantasy Entertainment has stated in a Saturday, 17 March 2024 interview with a section of the media that he has an injunction, but the Trade Fair Company Limited has vehemently denied any such injunction.

    Highlighting the disregard for legal procedures in the demolition process, he added “the company states that it has not been served with any court processes and no injunction was served on the day of the demolition,” the Asaase report stated.

    Despite Quaynor’s claims, the Trade Fair Company Limited refuted the existence of such an injunction, asserting they had not received any court documents prohibiting the demolition.

    The motivation behind the demolition stemmed from the expiration of the tenancy agreement between Fantasy Entertainment and the Trade Fair Company Limited in December 2023.

    With plans for redevelopment underway, the Trade Fair Company sought to reclaim the space occupied by the Fantasy Dome for essential infrastructure projects vital to the Ghana International Trade Fair Center’s expansion.

    Expressing his dismay at the unfolding events, Mr Quaynor pledged to pursue both spiritual guidance and legal recourse in seeking justice.

    “I will give everything to God, I know God always shows us the right thing to do and I will follow his direction on this. I will have to take the pictures, I will take the legal route.

    “Ghana is not a lawless country so I will take my case to the law courts and let them decide,” he stressed.

    Looking ahead, the new Ghana International Trade Fair Center Development Project promises a modernized complex featuring convention and exhibition facilities, a technology hub, retail spaces, commercial offices, hotel accommodations, and public areas.

    With infrastructure works and construction already in progress, the vision for a revitalized trade fair center is gradually taking shape.