Govt has failed creative industry, say Ras Kuuku and Kodwo Preko, but Fredyma thinks otherwise

July 25, 2024, is exactly 166 days from January 7, 2025, for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to officially wrap up its second term in office.

While the government would probably list growth in the creative industry as one of its achievements, some stakeholders are very dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the creative sector.

In separate interviews with Graphic Showbiz, Reggae artiste, Ras Kuuku and President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), Kodwo Preko Dankwa, challenged the government to mention what they have done for the industry since coming into office nearly eight years ago.

According to Ras Kuuku, he was disappointed with the government for a number of reasons, especially for their inability to support Ghana to become a founder member of Grammy Africa.

Last month, it came out that Ghana missed a prime opportunity to host the Grammy Africa Awards, described as the biggest platform to celebrate and elevate the rich music talents across the continent.

Lady Dentaa Amoateng, Senior Advisor to the Grammy CEO and President of Grammy Africa, disclosed that Ghana was unable to meet certain requirements with the Recording Academy, citing resource constraints as one of the reasons.

Ras Kuuku believes that with adequate government support, Ghana could have made the list of founder members of the awards.

“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.

Kojo Preko Dankwa who echoes Ras Kuuku’s sentiments, believes the current administration has demonstrated a blatant disregard for the sector.

“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).”

On the contrary, seasoned sound engineer Fredyma believes the government has actually created opportunities for creatives to thrive.

He told Graphic Showbiz the conversation has been unfairly limited to just a few areas such as theatre and music, when in fact, the government’s efforts have benefited a wide range of creative fields, including event planning, fashion, concerts and more.

According to Fredyma, the ruling NPP has fostered a conducive environment that has opened up immense opportunities for creatives across various industries.

“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.