The Association of Ghanaian Creatives, a coalition of industry stakeholders, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the recent appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the National Film Authority (NFA).
Kafui Danku has been named Executive Secretary of the NFA, with James Gardiner as her Deputy. However, the group argues that both lack the necessary expertise to lead Ghana’s struggling film industry.
In a petition launched on change.org, the association urges the President to reconsider the appointments and instead appoint seasoned professionals with proven track records in the industry.
Concerns Over Competence
The petition criticizes the appointments as a setback for Ghana’s film industry, stating:
“The appointment of James Gardiner as Head of the NFA was met with skepticism by industry professionals. However, the subsequent selection of Kafui Danku as CEO has sent shockwaves through the creative community, posing an existential threat to an already fragile sector.”
The group argues that the NFA needs leadership with a deep understanding of film production, policy-making, and global industry trends. They assert that neither Danku nor Gardiner has the qualifications to oversee the NFA’s key responsibilities, which include:
1. Facilitating access to film production resources
2. Providing financial incentives for filmmakers
3. Ensuring compliance with local and international film regulations
4. Promoting Ghana as a prime destination for international productions
According to the petition, the duo’s backgrounds in low-budget productions and social media branding do not equip them to implement policies that could revitalize Ghana’s stagnant film industry.
State of the Film Industry
The petition highlights the decline of Ghana’s film industry, attributing it to a lack of strategic leadership. While neighboring countries like South Africa have positioned themselves as major African film hubs, Ghana’s presence in global cinema has waned.
“The industry has struggled to attract international collaborations, and even local broadcasters are cutting back budgets. Akwaaba TV remains underutilized, and Kumawood continues to face major challenges despite the resilience of its filmmakers,” the petition reads.
It also praises individuals like Shirley Frimpong-Manso, George Quaye, and Ebo Whyte for their efforts in sustaining Ghana’s creative sector but warns that without proper leadership, the country’s film industry risks further decline.
Alternative Recommendations
To address these concerns, the Association of Ghanaian Creatives has proposed the following industry experts for consideration:
1. George Bosompin (National Film Institute, GAFTA)
2. Jim Awindor (Film and television strategist)
3. Akofa Edjeani Asiedu (Veteran filmmaker and policy maker)
4. Professor Linus Abraham (Media and communication expert)
5. Akosua Abdallah (Film education and policy expert)
6. Nicole Amarteifio (Pioneering filmmaker and industry advocate)
Call to Action
The petition concludes with a strong call for President Mahama to reconsider the appointments and ensure that the NFA is led by individuals with the necessary expertise.
“Ghana’s creative community will not stand by and watch the death of an industry that has the power to shape culture, create jobs, and generate billions in revenue. We demand accountability, competence, and leadership that respects the craft and business of filmmaking.”
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Mahama administration will respond to the growing concerns within the film industry.
