The a collective of arts stakeholders, under the name Association of Ghanaian Creatives, is petitioning President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the National Film Authority (NFA).
Kafui Danku has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the NFA, with James Gardiner serving as her Deputy. However, in a Change.org petition, the Association of Ghanaian Creatives is requesting that the President consider other candidates for these positions.
The petition asserts that both Kafui and James lack the necessary competence for these roles.
The petition reads:
We, the undersigned members of the Association of Ghanaian Creatives, urge the government to appoint qualified, visionary leadership at the NFA. The institution must be helmed by a technocrat with deep industry knowledge, supported by a board of experienced creative professionals who can steer the sector toward revitalization and global competitiveness.
The group further emphasizes;
Neither Kafui Danku nor James Gardiner possesses the industry experience or expertise required to lead such a vital institution. Their limited experience in low-budget productions and social media branding is woefully insufficient to provide Ghana’s film industry with the strategic vision necessary for expansion. Additionally, they mentioned that: When contrasted with the legacy of Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, a Harvard-trained industry leader who brought innovative initiatives to the NFA and successfully brokered distribution deals with major players like MTN, the appointment of an underqualified CEO indicates a departure from excellence. Others names suggested to President Mahama
As alternatives, the group has suggested several experienced film professionals to President Mahama for the roles, including:
National Film Institute, GAFTA, George Bosompin Jim Awindor (Film and television strategist)
Akofa Edjeani Asiedu (Veteran filmmaker and policy maker)
Professor Linus Abraham (Media and communication expert)
Akosua Abdallah (Film education and policy expert)
Ms. Nicole Amarteifio (Pioneering filmmaker and industry advocate)