By: Kobina Baidoo
Prominent Ghanaian actor and creative, Ken Fiati, has emphasized the need for industry players to be seen as capable of handling the affairs of the creative sector.
In an interview with happyghana.com, Mr. Fiati acknowledged the support the nation’s creative industry has received from various governmental bodies and organizations. He commended the efforts of former President John Dramani Mahama and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in promoting the sector’s development.
However, Mr. Fiati pointed out a persistent issue hindering the progress of the creative arts industry as the reluctance of stakeholders and government officials to allow creatives to manage the industry’s affairs. “We are not seen as individuals who have what it takes to run our sector,” he stated.
Mr. Fiati highlighted that members of other sectors in Ghana are entrusted with the management of their respective industries, unlike the creative arts industry, which is often overseen by technocrats. “Technocrats are important, but what people do not realize is that we, as industry players, also double as bankers, marketers, administrators, lawyers, etc. Just like the Medical Association and Bar Association, they are not given to technocrats to run,” he explained.
Mr. Fiati believes that if creative arts industry players were allowed to lead the sector, all essential support could be directed to the appropriate areas, ensuring effective development.
In earlier reports, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Mahama, promised several initiatives, including budgetary allocations to Creative Arts and Culture, Film Festivals, the establishment of a Film Village, and support for Drama and Theatre Arts, among others.