The Ghanaian creative arts industry finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with stagnation and a perceived lack of direction from governing bodies. Media personality KOKA has emerged as a vocal critic of the current state of affairs, lamenting the absence of tangible progress and accusing officials of inaction and a lack of transparency. He argues that the industry, despite its immense potential, remains underdeveloped, with creatives struggling to find opportunities and consistent support. This perceived neglect has led to a growing sense of disillusionment among artists, who feel their contributions are not being adequately recognized or nurtured. KOKA’s critique highlights a deeper issue within the industry – a disconnect between the aspirations of creatives and the actions of those entrusted with its development.
KOKA’s concerns center around the lack of sustained initiatives and follow-through on promises made by officials. He points to the Black Star Experience as a prime example of this failure. Initially touted as a groundbreaking event that would elevate Ghanaian artistry onto the global stage, it ultimately failed to materialize into a lasting movement. The lack of follow-up activities and sustained engagement with the creative community following the event, according to KOKA, demonstrated a lack of commitment to long-term development and left artists feeling abandoned. This example encapsulates what KOKA sees as a pattern of short-sighted planning and a failure to capitalize on opportunities to create a thriving and sustainable creative ecosystem.
Adding fuel to the fire of discontent is the perceived politicization of the industry. KOKA highlights the Ghana Tourism Authority’s decision to delete photos of artist Samini following backlash from supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a clear example of this troubling trend. Samini’s open affiliation with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is believed to have been the catalyst for this action, exposing the vulnerability of artists to political machinations. This incident, according to KOKA, underscores a dangerous tendency to prioritize political affiliations over artistic merit and further fragments the industry along partisan lines. Such actions, he argues, create a chilling effect on artistic expression and deter open dialogue, ultimately hindering the growth of the sector.
KOKA emphasizes that true progress requires a shift from creating isolated “moments” to building sustainable “movements”. He advocates for a more strategic and long-term approach to development, one that prioritizes continuous engagement with creatives and fosters a sense of collective ownership over the industry’s future. He calls for greater transparency from officials, demanding that they keep artists informed about ongoing plans and initiatives, even if those plans are facing challenges. This open communication, he believes, is crucial for building trust and fostering a sense of collaborative partnership between creatives and governing bodies. The current lack of transparency, he asserts, is stifling growth and breeding resentment within the industry.
Furthermore, KOKA stresses the importance of fairness and inclusivity. He argues that all artists, regardless of their political affiliations, should be treated equally and given the opportunity to contribute to the industry’s growth. The selective application of rules and the apparent bias against artists based on their political leanings, he warns, is a dangerous precedent that will only deepen divisions and create an environment of fear and mistrust. He calls for a return to the fundamental principles of artistic merit and encourages stakeholders to embrace impartiality and ensure that opportunities are distributed fairly across the creative spectrum.
KOKA’s critique serves as a wake-up call to the Ghanaian creative arts industry. His concerns highlight the urgent need for a more strategic and inclusive approach to development, one that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term gains and fosters a sense of unity among artists. The call for greater transparency, accountability, and a depoliticized approach to artistic expression resonates strongly with the concerns of many creatives. Addressing these issues is essential for unlocking the industry’s full potential and creating a sustainable and vibrant creative ecosystem that benefits all its stakeholders. The future of the Ghanaian creative arts industry, KOKA argues, hinges on the willingness of officials and stakeholders to embrace these principles and work collaboratively towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
