Director for Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Socrate Safo, has contended that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government holds an unparalleled track record of supporting and revitalizing Ghana’s creative arts sector.
Socrate Safo argued that unlike the previous John Mahama-led administration, which he claims neglected the sector, the NPP has initiated multiple programs aimed at bolstering support and enhancing its appeal.
According to Safo, the creative arts industry faced significant setbacks under the NDC government.
“The industry suffered numerous disappointments during the NDC’s era because we witnessed John Mahama’s five-year tenure where nothing was achieved until this current government came into power.”
Socrate Safo
He pointed to ongoing projects such as new theaters and the establishment of a creative arts school in Kumasi as evidence of the NPP’s commitment.
“We’ve witnessed substantial growth in the industry; this government genuinely cares about it. They don’t operate in secrecy, favoring select individuals. Instead, their actions have a broad impact on the entire sector.”
Socrate Safo
He highlighted achievements such as the passage of the Creative Arts Bill and the establishment of a film authority.
However, following his remarks, some panelists disagreed, noting that many of the projects mentioned by Safo are still in the conceptual or construction phases.
Christiana Awuni Tackles Critics Over Mahama’s Presidency
Kumawood actress, Christiana Awuni stated that only a “blind” person would say that John Mahama brought no development to Ghana during his tenure as President.
The actress has been making headlines for her support of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama.
She claimed Mahama has a clean scorecard when it comes to development, which includes building schools and hospitals.
She asserted that the NDC Presidential candidate would do more if given the nod in the December polls.
“You must be blind if you tell me John Mahama did nothing for Ghana. Only those with good eyes can see what John Mahama did for this country, and we also witnessed what he did. But when this man was elected President, we thought he would do more than John Mahama.
“His performance is 0 percent. He built schools, and most of the renowned hospitals were built by Mahama. Look at the dollar under this government and compare it to Mahama’s tenure.”
Christiana Awuni
Responding to a question about whether Mahama supported the creative industry, she stated the former President had laid down plans to support them, but his ideas were opposed by some NPP producers in the movie industry.
“Mahama had plans to do something for the creative industry. He met us and asked for our requests. We voiced our problems, and he promised to build an office, get us a bus, and provide a place where foreigners could have access to the movies we produce.
“He was about to, but some people opposed his ideas. These producers said they wouldn’t accept anything from Mahama.”
Christiana Awuni
However, she stated she would not mince words if John Mahama won the election and failed to bring the promised change to the country.
Christiana Awuni also expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment of the movie industry by Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP government.
She claimed that Nana Addo and his administration have not fulfilled their commitments to the movie industry.
Madam Awuni voiced her concerns about Nana Addo’s failure to honor his promises to filmmakers in the country and his refusal to sign a bill that was crucial for them.
Consequently, Christiana Awuni is urging Ghanaians to vote for John Mahama in the 2024 elections.
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