The Association of Ghanaian Creatives has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the appointments of Kafui Danku as CEO and James Gardiner as Deputy at the National Film Authority (NFA), arguing that the two lack the necessary expertise to lead Ghana’s film sector.
The petition, titled “Petition to Safeguard Ghana’s Film Industry: Call for Competent Leadership at the National Film Authority,” criticizes the appointments as a “critical misstep” that could derail efforts to revitalize Ghana’s film industry.
The association argues that the NFA plays a vital role in Ghana’s film ecosystem by: • Facilitating access to filming resources, location scouting, and permits. • Providing financial and logistical support to filmmakers.
• Ensuring compliance with local and international film regulations.
• Promoting Ghana as a prime destination for international film productions.
However, the petition insists that Danku and Gardiner’s backgrounds in low-budget productions and social media branding do not equip them to handle these responsibilities.
The petition highlights the ongoing struggles of Ghana’s film industry, citing:
• The withdrawal of major streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video from Africa.
• Budget cuts from broadcasters like DSTV.
• The underutilization of Akwaaba TV and the declining international presence of Ghanaian films.
The association notes that theater remains vibrant thanks to George Quaye, Naa Ashorkor, Uncle Ebow White, and Chief Moomen, while Shirley Frimpong-Manso and Leila Djansi continue to push for Ghanaian cinema. However, without strong leadership at the NFA, the industry risks further stagnation.
The petition compares the new appointments to the tenure of Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, a Harvard-trained industry leader who secured key distribution deals and implemented transformative policies at the NFA.
With Africa’s film industry projected to generate over $20 billion annually (UNESCO), the association insists that Ghana needs leaders with expertise in tax incentives, copyright laws, credit negotiations, and creative commons licenses—not personalities with limited industry experience.
The association has recommended the following film professionals as more suitable alternatives:
1. George Bosompin (National Film Institute, GAFTA)
2. Jim Awindor (Film and television strategist)
3. Akofa Edjeani Asiedu (Veteran filmmaker and policymaker)
4. Professor Linus Abraham (Media and communication expert)
5. Akosua Abdallah (Film education and policy expert)
6. Nicole Amarteifio (Pioneering filmmaker and industry advocate)
7. Danny Damah (Filmmaker)
8. Ken Fiati (Film administrator)
9. Professor Evans Kumi (Lecturer)
10. Zakaria Abdulai
The Association of Ghanaian Creatives is calling on President Mahama to ensure that Ghana’s film industry is led by individuals with proven expertise and strategic vision.
With the film industry facing critical challenges, the association warns that the government must act swiftly to prevent further decline and ensure Ghana’s creative sector remains globally competitive.
