Renowned cultural and theatre expert, Dr. Akosua Abdallah (PhD.), has issued a public statement distancing herself from a petition circulating within the creative industry that calls for the revocation of the recent appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the National Film Authority (NFA).
The petition, which has garnered significant attention on Change.org, is spearheaded by the Association of Ghanaian Creatives, a coalition of arts stakeholders who claim that the appointees lack the necessary qualifications to lead the NFA.
The petitioners have urged President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the appointments, arguing that the positions require leadership with deep industry expertise and vision, which they believe Kafui Danku and James Gardiner do not possess.
However, Dr. Akosua Abdallah, in a statement released earlier today, clarified that her name has been erroneously included in the petition, emphasizing that she had no involvement in its creation or circulation.
“I wish to categorically state that I have no knowledge of this petition, nor was I consulted or involved in its initiation, drafting, or circulation,” Abdallah said. “As a cultural and theatre expert, and in my capacity as the Head of the Ghana Chapter of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), my focus remains on promoting collaboration, capacity-building, and artistic excellence within the creative sector.”
Abdallah, who is also a respected figure in the theatre community, further reaffirmed her professional stance on governance matters, maintaining a neutral position on appointments within state institutions.
“At this stage of my career, I am not engaged in public or civil service, making any association of my name with this petition entirely unwarranted. Any inclusion of my name is without my consent and does not reflect my views,” she added.
The controversy stems from the recent appointments of Kafui Danku as Executive Secretary of the NFA and James Gardiner as her Deputy.
In response, the petitioners have suggested a list of alternative candidates who they believe would be better suited for the roles, including George Bosompin, Jim Awindor, Akofa Edjeani Asiedu, Professor Linus Abraham, and Akosua Abdallah herself.
Abdallah, however, has made it clear that she is not seeking any such appointment and remains focused on her ongoing work within the cultural and creative sectors.
The issue continues to spark debate among Ghanaian creatives and industry professionals, with many calling for more transparency and discussion regarding the future leadership of the NFA.
For now, Abdallah’s statement serves as a firm rejection of the petition’s claims and an affirmation of her commitment to neutrality in the ongoing discourse surrounding the National Film Authority’s leadership.
