The Black Star Experience, a flagship creative arts initiative launched under the John Mahama administration, has become a source of contention and disappointment for stakeholders in the creative industry. Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng, Head of Public Relations for Burniton Music Group, has publicly expressed her dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the initiative, citing a lack of progress and a concerning disconnect between the government’s pronouncements and the reality on the ground. Her criticism stems from President Mahama’s recent statement during a media interaction, where he asserted that the foundational work for the Black Star Experience is underway and that signs of progress will soon be evident.
Ms. Boateng finds the President’s response inadequate and worrisome, suggesting that the individuals tasked with managing the initiative have failed to effectively communicate its progress to the President. She argues that if these individuals had been transparent and proactive in their communication, the Black Star Experience would not have been seemingly sidelined for an entire fiscal year. Ms. Boateng’s concerns are not new. She recalls raising similar issues during the initial launch of the Black Star Experience, highlighting a disconnect between the project leaders and the then-Sector Minister of Tourism regarding the initiative’s roadmap.
The initial plan, according to the Minister, was to celebrate the Black Star Experience at the assembly level, a proposition that Ms. Boateng countered, arguing for a national, year-long festival distinct from the December festivities. The current state of affairs, with the President stating that the initiative is still at the foundational level nine months into the fiscal year, has amplified Ms. Boateng’s anxieties. She emphasizes the urgent need for a clear roadmap and concrete action, lamenting the lack of visible progress and the absence of any tangible outcomes thus far.
Ms. Boateng extends her critique to encompass the government’s support for existing cultural events. She points to the ‘Chale Wote’ festival, a vibrant annual celebration of art and culture, as an example of an event that deserves government support to elevate its reach and impact. The absence of such support, she argues, underscores the government’s seeming neglect of the creative arts sector. She calls on the government to not only provide a roadmap for the Black Star Experience but also to actively support existing initiatives that contribute to Ghana’s cultural landscape.
The Black Star Experience, as envisioned, aims to position Ghana as Africa’s cultural capital and bolster the tourism sector. It encompasses a range of events and programs, including Ghana Music Week, Creative Connect, the Detty December festivities, and the ambitious plan for a world-class Ananse Studio and film complex. The initiative’s objectives include rebranding Ghana, attracting investment, and creating employment opportunities. However, the lack of tangible progress and the absence of a clear implementation strategy have cast a shadow over these ambitious goals.
The concerns raised by Ms. Boateng underscore the importance of effective communication, transparency, and concrete action in the implementation of government initiatives. The Black Star Experience, with its potential to transform Ghana’s cultural landscape and boost its economy, requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government officials, industry professionals, and the creative community at large. The absence of a clear roadmap, coupled with the perceived lack of progress, not only undermines the credibility of the initiative but also raises questions about the government’s commitment to the creative arts sector. The call for a roadmap and tangible action is not merely a request for information but a plea for the government to demonstrate its commitment to realizing the vision of the Black Star Experience and fulfilling its potential to transform Ghana into a vibrant cultural hub.
