Today, July 25, 2024, marks the precise 166-day countdown until the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) formally concludes its second term in office on January 7, 2025.
The administration would likely cite the expansion of the creative industry as one of its accomplishments, despite the fact that certain stakeholders are quite unhappy with how the government has handled the sector.
Ras Kuuku, a reggae artist, and Kodwo Preko Dankwa, the president of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), challenged the government to list the things they have done for the sector since taking power almost eight years ago in separate interviews with Graphic Showbiz.
Ras Kuuku expressed his disappointment in the administration for several reasons, chief among them being their failure to assist Ghana in being a founding member of Grammy Africa.
It was revealed last month that Ghana had lost out on hosting the Grammy Africa Awards, which are regarded as the largest stage for showcasing and elevating the great musical talent on the continent.
Ghana was unable to comply with Recording Academy regulations, with Lady Dentaa Amoateng, President of Grammy Africa and Senior Advisor to the Grammy CEO, citing resource limitations as one of the reasons.
Ras Kuuku thinks Ghana could have made the list of original recipients of the awards if it had received sufficient official backing.
“We missed this big opportunity because our government did not show enough commitment. Now, we have countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa enjoying the prestige and economic benefits of hosting the inaugural event while we only get to file nominations. Why should this happen?” Ras Kuuku queried.
Like Ras Kuuku, Kojo Preko Dankwa feels that the current administration has shown a flagrant disdain for the industry.
“The current government’s neglect of the creative industry is clear and did not start today. In their almost eight-year regime, what exactly have they done for the creatives? They failed to honour their manifesto promises which include its key campaign promise of constructing regional theatres. We equally lost a three-year deal with All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).”
Conversely, veteran sound engineer Fredyma feels that government policy has made it possible for artists to prosper.
Read also:Gov’t generated $1.8 billion from tourism in first half of 2024 – Dr. Anim Adam
He told Graphic Showbiz that while the government’s efforts have helped a wide range of creative sectors, including event organizing, fashion, concerts, and more, the discourse has been unfairly restricted to only a few areas, including theater and music.
Fredyma claims that the NPP, which is currently in power, has created a favorable atmosphere that has greatly expanded the prospects available to creatives in a variety of businesses.
“First of all, the NPP government has not neglected the creative industry despite not being able to complete certain projects in time. However, some have been started in earnest hoping for its completion by the end of the year. It is better late than never.”
“Like Oliver Twist, we will always ask for more. The NPP government has opened the floodgate for creatives to benefit despite the complaints, which is normal. Comparatively, the NPP government has done well for the creative industry.”
“The conversation around the table concerning the creative industry when the NPP assumed office tilted more towards the theatres they promised to build across the country in their 2016 manifesto. We however forget that the industry doesn’t revolve around only music and theatre”, he added.
