Akofa Edjeani Urges President Mahama to Appoint Qualified Leaders to Arts Institutions

Renowned Ghanaian actress, Akofa Edjeani, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the appointment of qualified individuals to key positions within the country’s creative arts sector. In a recent conversation with Lexis Bill on Joy FM’s Drive Time, Akofa emphasized the need for competent leadership in the creative arts sector, stating that the right appointments are crucial for the sector’s growth and development.

Akofa made it clear that for the creative arts sector to flourish, the President must ensure that individuals who understand the sector’s impact on the socio-economic landscape are placed in leadership roles. She called for a serious roundtable discussion to set the arts sector on the right path, suggesting that now is the time to “reset and rebuild,” as the President himself has stated. She believes that if President Mahama is committed to such a vision, he must appoint people who truly grasp the vital role the arts play in not only cultural development but also in economic growth, employment opportunities, and overall societal well-being.

“The creative sector is a significant part of life that should not be underestimated,” Akofa said during the interview. She pointed out that industries such as film and theatre are essential for the development of any nation. These creative industries not only contribute to cultural identity but also offer avenues for economic and social development. Akofa emphasized that Ghana, like any other nation, must prioritize the creative sector in its national development strategy.

She further elaborated on the importance of culture, stating, “Without culture, you are nothing. It is the soul of any nation.” Akofa expressed concern that, often, the arts and culture sector is not given the attention it deserves, which in turn affects the country’s progress. “Most times, we are detached from it,” she said. “We place the arts and culture in one corner, and we find ourselves somewhere else, but it doesn’t work that way.” Akofa’s message is clear: the arts should be at the center of Ghana’s development, as it plays a key role in shaping national identity and contributing to both personal and collective growth.

To ensure the creative arts sector thrives, Akofa emphasized that the proper foundation must be laid. “We need to make sure that we have a firm foundation before we start putting up structures,” she stated. Without a solid foundation, she argued, the sector will continue to experience setbacks, as has been the case in the past. She cautioned that if the right steps are not taken now, the sector will continue to face challenges, and the progress that is needed will remain elusive. Akofa’s call for a strategic foundation underscores the urgency of addressing the sector’s long-standing challenges and creating sustainable growth for future generations.

While President Mahama has yet to announce his appointments for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, speculation is rife about who might fill these important positions. Potential candidates include figures such as Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Sadiq Abdulai Abu, and Rex Owusu Marfo. These names have come up in discussions about the future leadership of the creative arts sector, and many are keen to see who will be chosen to lead the country’s efforts in revitalizing the arts and culture industries.

Akofa Edjeani’s comments come at a time when the creative arts sector in Ghana is calling for increased attention and resources to help it achieve its full potential. The actress has long been an advocate for the importance of the arts in Ghanaian society and has consistently spoken out about the need for better support for the sector. She believes that the arts should not be relegated to the background but should instead be a central pillar in national policy, driving growth in both cultural and economic terms.

Akofa Edjeani’s message to President Mahama is a call for thoughtful and strategic appointments to the creative arts sector. She believes that with the right leadership, the arts sector can play a transformative role in the country’s development, creating jobs, improving cultural identity, and driving economic growth. For this vision to become a reality, it is essential that the appointed leaders are not only qualified but also truly understand the vast potential of the creative sector.