Dr. Akosua Abdallah denies knowledge of petition against Kafui Danku and James Gardiner
Veteran Ghanaian actress Dr. Akosua Abdallah has publicly distanced herself from a petition that calls for the cancellation of the recent appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the National Film Authority (NFA). In a statement shared with myjoyonline.com, Dr. Abdallah made it clear that she was neither involved in the petition nor aware of its existence.
The petition was initiated by the Association of Ghanaian Creatives, a collective of key figures in the arts sector, who voiced concerns about the appointments of Kafui Danku as Executive Secretary and James Gardiner as her Deputy at the NFA. The petition, which was launched on Change.org, urged President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider these appointments, arguing that both individuals lacked the necessary qualifications and experience for the roles.
In their place, the petitioners suggested a list of alternative candidates they believed were more qualified for these positions. The list included notable industry figures such as George Bosompim (National Film Institute, GAFTA), Jim Awindor (film and television strategist), Akofa Edjeani Asiedu (veteran filmmaker and policy maker), Professor Linus Abraham (media and communication expert), Dr. Akosua Abdallah (film education and policy expert), and Nicole Amarteifio (pioneering filmmaker and industry advocate). However, after the petition circulated, three of the individuals named as qualified alternatives—Dr. Jim Fara Awindor, George Bosompim, and Professor Linus Abraham—released public statements disassociating themselves from the petition, stating that they were not consulted or involved in any discussions surrounding it.
Dr. Akosua Abdallah, the fourth person on the list, has now publicly clarified her position on the matter, emphasizing that she had no knowledge of the petition and did not consent to having her name associated with it. In her statement, she categorically denied any involvement in the creation or circulation of the petition.
“My attention has been drawn to a petition circulating in the public domain regarding the recent appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the National Film Authority (NFA), which unfortunately bears my name. I want to make it absolutely clear that I have no knowledge of this petition, nor was I consulted, involved, or in any way connected with its initiation, drafting, or distribution,” she explained.
Dr. Abdallah also stressed that her professional work focuses on promoting collaboration and advancing excellence within the creative sector, and that she maintains a neutral, unbiased stance when it comes to governance matters or appointments to state institutions. As a respected cultural and theatre expert, and the Head of the Ghana Chapter of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), Dr. Abdallah’s primary goal remains to support the development of the arts, not to engage in political or governance-related disputes.
“As a cultural and theatre expert, and in my role as the Head of the Ghana Chapter of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), my focus has always been on fostering collaboration, capacity-building, and artistic excellence within the creative industry. I maintain a professional, neutral position on issues related to governance and appointments within governmental institutions,” she clarified.
Dr. Abdallah also pointed out that, at this stage in her career, she is not involved in any public or civil service roles, which makes her name being associated with such a petition entirely unjustified. “At this point in my career, I am not involved in public or civil service, so the inclusion of my name in this petition is completely unwarranted. Any use of my name without my consent does not reflect my views or opinions,” she asserted.
Dr. Abdallah’s strong response follows the public distancing of other prominent individuals initially listed in the petition. The clarification from these figures, including Dr. Abdallah, highlights the growing concern over the petition’s credibility and the involvement of those named without their consent.
Ultimately, Dr. Abdallah’s statement serves to reaffirm her commitment to her work in the arts while distancing herself from any controversial petition. Her focus remains on the growth of Ghana’s creative industry, where she continues to advocate for collaboration and professional development, free from external political pressures. The ongoing situation also brings to light the complexity of public figures being linked to campaigns or causes without their explicit approval, underscoring the importance of clear communication and consent in such matters.
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