Rivalry, discord, corruption, tearing Ghana’s creative arts apart

Ghana’s creative arts industry is a treasure trove of talent, boasting a rich tapestry of music, film, theater, and visual arts.

Yet, beneath this vibrant exterior lies a significant challenge that threatens its potential for growth: persistent discord among its players and groups.

Rather than fostering collaboration to uplift the industry, many stakeholders find themselves embroiled in rivalries, prioritising individual recognition over collective advancement. This lack of unity not only hampers cohesion but also obstructs the achievement of shared goals.

While egos and competition are common in creative fields worldwide, in Ghana, they have escalated into formidable barriers to progress. Artistes, actors, and musicians often become consumed by their quests for personal success, creating a cutthroat environment where collaboration is sidelined in favor of outshining one another. Compounding this issue is the absence of effective leadership; without a unified voice or strong governing body, the industry suffers from a lack of direction and coordination, making it challenging to tackle critical problems like piracy, copyright infringement, and insufficient funding.

The repercussions of this discord extend far beyond individual disputes, stunting the industry’s growth and diminishing its appeal to potential investors and sponsors. As a result, the sector grapples with issues like brain drain, declining quality of work, and a growing disregard from government and international organisations.

In this landscape, the urgent need for collaboration and a shared vision becomes evident, as Ghana’s creative arts community must confront its internal battles to forge a more harmonious and prosperous future.

The Ghana Music Rights Organisation Debacle

The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) stands as a stark example of how internal discord can derail progress within the creative arts sector. While the current leadership, secretariat, and board may publicly attribute their ongoing issues to political maneuvering, the reality is far more complex and rooted in infighting, ego clashes, and unbridled greed.

The organisation’s struggles are deeply intertwined with longstanding problems related to elections and accountability, reflecting a pattern that has plagued GHAMRO for years. In an unprecedented move, the government has stepped in, compelling the leadership to address these issues by organising proper elections and submitting to rigorous audits.

The Copyright Office has also mandated GHAMRO to adopt recommendations from the Esi Sutherland Committee, which seeks to bring order to the chaos through measures such as a new constitution, a forensic audit, and a suspension of ongoing court cases.

Additionally, the dissolved election committee is called to oversee new elections. Despite these pressing recommendations, GHAMRO’s leadership continues to insist that all is well, revealing a disconcerting disregard for the underlying problems driven by greed, nepotism, and self-interest. This denial only further exacerbates the disarray, highlighting the urgent need for genuine reform within the organization.

The Audio Visual Rights Society of Ghana conundrum

The Audio Visual Rights Society of Ghana (ARSOG) is currently ensnared in a troubling conundrum marked by ineffective leadership and a troubling lack of accountability. Despite the expiration of the previous board’s term in 2021, it wasn’t until 2024 that elections were finally conducted, a delay that has left the organisation in disarray. The old leadership not only overstayed their welcome but did so without any repercussions, while the new leaders have taken their positions without a proper handover, further complicating the already fraught situation. Inadequate backroom staff exacerbate these issues, as internal operations suffer from neglect and mismanagement. Instead of focusing on the broader interests of its members, many leaders seem more preoccupied with their own parochial agendas, leading to a culture of stagnation and disillusionment within the society.

Discord at the Musicians Union of Ghana

Infighting, greed, and rancor have plagued the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), which, despite being established in 1975 and touted as the most organized and potent group in the creative arts, struggles to attract the vast majority of Ghana’s musicians.

With over 100,000 musicians captured in the 2021 census, MUSIGA’s official membership stands at a mere 4,500, and even fewer—less than 600—participated in the last election. This disparity highlights the disillusionment stemming from rampant infighting, egos, and a pervasive lack of accountability that has led to the emergence of splinter groups, the most recent being Musiglo, formed by the former general secretary.

Allegations of corruption and rampant racketeering have prompted many prominent artists to disassociate themselves from the union. Compounding these issues is a national council that often appears out of touch with industry trends and technologies, leaving them ill-equipped to support their members effectively. As a result, MUSIGA remains fragmented, unable to present a unified front, trapped in a cycle of greed, ignorance, selfishness, and backwardness.

Struggles of the Actors Guide of Ghana

Power struggles at the Actors Guild of Ghana have severely hindered the organisation’s ability to advocate for its members since the passing of Rev. Eddie Coffie, the Guild’s president, in 2016. The absence of elections for new executives has left the Guild rudderless, grappling with ongoing leadership disputes that are proving detrimental to the growth of the movie industry. Infighting and a persistent leadership crisis have stifled the Guild’s capacity to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities presented by the new streaming landscape. As a result, it has struggled to attract vital investments for its members, remaining mired in disarray and lacking a cohesive sense of purpose. Without effective leadership, the Actors Guild of Ghana risks falling further behind in an industry that demands innovation and collaboration.

No Funds to Lead at the Film Producers Association of Ghana

‘No Money to Lead’ poignantly encapsulates the challenges facing the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), where the current leadership continues to operate despite an expired tenure and a failure to conduct necessary elections. This lack of governance is primarily attributed to financial constraints that have hindered the organization from organising a transparent electoral process.

If the leadership is incapable of facilitating elections, one must question their ability to manage the pressing issues within the industry. Leading without a constitutional mandate not only undermines their authority but also sets the stage for potential legal disputes, as discontent among members grows.

With the situation becoming increasingly untenable, FIPAG risks facing court challenges that could further destabilize the organization, leaving producers without a clear path forward in an already tumultuous film landscape.

Ghana Association of Phonographic Industry Attempting to find its feet

The Ghana Association of Phonographic Industry is finally attempting to find its feet after years of infighting and discord that hampered its progress. Following the election of new executives in December 2021, the association has made significant strides, including establishing an office and launching a website to enhance its visibility.

In partnership with Apprise Music, they have begun digitising members’ works, marking a positive shift toward modernization. However, the legacy of the previous leadership, which remained disconnected from the group’s activities, still casts a shadow over the organization, revealing lingering internal issues. Despite being potentially one of the most financially stable associations due to the economic capacity of its members, years of discord have led to a reluctance among members to offer financial support. As the association seeks to rebuild and regain trust, addressing these unresolved conflicts will be crucial for its long-term viability and success.

The ongoing infighting within Ghana’s creative arts community not only makes them an unattractive bunch but also serves as a bane to the conscience of the political elite, who often overlook a fractured industry.

It’s high time for these factions to put their differences aside and unite in pursuit of a common goal: enhancing the industry’s overall welfare. Only through collaboration and a shared vision can the aspirations of individuals within the sector be realized.

By fostering harmony rather than havoc, Ghana’s creative arts can reclaim its potential and attract the attention—and investment—it so desperately needs. After all, a united front is not just preferable; it’s essential for survival in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

About the author

With over 25 years of experience in the music industry, Richmond Adu-Poku adeptly integrates his expertise in writing, music, and entrepreneurship. He serves as the General Secretary of the Ghana Association of the Phonographic Industry (GAPI) and the CEO of Ghana Music Live. Richmond is also a sought-after consultant for key industry players, including MUSIGA. In addition to his creative roles, he works full-time as a business consultant.