Entertainment
“How Much Did It Cost to Paint Parts of Accra?”- FOCAP President Questions Gyankroma Akuffo-Addo Over Alleged $25M ‘Arts for All’ Project
A fresh wave of controversy has erupted within Ghana’s creative arts space as the President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), Kojo Preko Dankwa, has publicly questioned the cost and transparency surrounding the widely discussed “Arts for All” project, linked to Gyankroma Akufo-Addo.
The debate, which has regained national attention, centres on allegations that a staggering $25 million was spent on painting selected interchanges and public spaces in Accra, claims that have triggered scrutiny from industry stakeholders and the general public.
He questioned?
Bright Kankam Boadu might have gotten it wrong. No problem. To err is human, and indeed, a sign of maturity has been shown and exhibited by him. In this profession, we should be bold and speak truth to power to see our democracy stand tall.
To push argument of whether Gyankroma Akuffo Addo didn’t use $25 million state money to pay for painting certain areas in Accra, l keep wondering why, since 2022 till date, she has also not stated categorically how much she used in the project, but rather keeps denying the $25million (which l agree there are no documentation evidence to prove that).
I am challenging her to come clean and tell the whole world how much it costs her to paint certain areas in Accra.
In 2018, Gyankroma Akuffo told Ghanaians she conceived Art for All, and the purpose was to beautify our capital city, Accra, and equally give a platform to our Ghanaian artist According to her, the projects were ” conceived, managed and financially undertaken by the Creative Arts Agency through its own fundraising.”
The question then arises, which Creative Arts Agency was she referring to? The one she occupied illegally or another agency.
- Creative Arts Agency (CAA) was born in 2020 (Act 1048) and not 2018.
2- In 2018, there was the Creative Arts Council (CAC), which she occupied as an executive secretary, and Mark Okraku Mantey, the president. It was a position to be held for 3 to 4 months, and ended up lasting 4 years and beyond. The purpose of that council was to go around the country and take the views of creatives to help build the Creative Arts Industry Act, 2020(Act 1048).
It will therefore not be true that she used The Creative Arts Agency (CAA) because at the time she was occupying it illegally, it did not have the requirements (Board), as an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, to perform its functional duties.
She went further in 2022 to outline how she managed to raise funds for the project.
1- The private sector funded Ako Adjei. Who is the private sector, and why put Ghanaians in the dark by not telling all and sundry?
2- Tetteh Quarshie was paid by herself (Gyankroma Akuffo Addo). How much did it cost her, and why use personal money for an agency (government) work, and which board approved such a procedure, and where was the minister then?
3- The generosity of Ben Asante, then CEO of Ghana Gas (government institution), who, according to Gyankroma Akuffo Addo, helped and how much?
4- Coral Paints and its CEO provided the paints. At what cost?
If you truly want transparency, avoid conflict of interest, and stop the peddling of falsehoods, tell Ghanaians how much it costs you for the entire project and let sleeping dogs lie.
Kojo Preko Dankwa
FOCAP President.
Entertainment
‘Protect Every Cedi’ – Dzifa Gomashie Charges New GTA Board
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged newly inaugurated governing board members of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to uphold accountability, transparency and prudent resource management in the performance of their duties.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held in Accra, the Minister stressed that the long-term success and sustainability of public institutions depend on effective leadership, integrity and the responsible management of the country’s limited resources.
Hon. Gomashie charged the board members to provide strategic leadership that will strengthen their respective institutions and ensure they contribute significantly to Ghana’s socio-economic development through tourism, culture and the creative arts.
She noted that public office comes with the responsibility of safeguarding national resources and making decisions that promote efficiency, good governance and public confidence.
The Minister further encouraged the newly appointed board members to work collaboratively with management and stakeholders to improve service delivery, enhance institutional performance and support the government’s vision of developing the tourism sector as a major driver of economic growth.
The newly appointed Chairperson of the Governing Board of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ms. Phyllis Engmann, assured the Minister of the board’s commitment to advancing Ghana’s tourism industry through effective governance and strategic oversight.
Similarly, Governing Board Member of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Torgbui Fiti V, pledged to work diligently with fellow board members to preserve Ghana’s historical and cultural heritage while promoting the country’s tourism potential.
Both appointees reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that will strengthen the tourism, culture and creative arts sector, improve visitor experiences and contribute to national development.
The swearing-in ceremony forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to strengthen governance within key institutions responsible for promoting Ghana’s tourism industry, preserving its cultural heritage and advancing the country’s creative economy.

Entertainment
Creative Arts Agency Embarks on Nationwide Registration and Stakeholder Engagement Tour
The Creative Arts Agency (CAA) has announced a nationwide engagement tour aimed at educating creative professionals on the importance of registering with the agency and the benefits that come with membership.
In a promotional message, the agency invited creatives across Ghana to prepare for interactive sessions that will explain why registration with the Creative Arts Agency is essential and how it can support their careers and businesses.
The tour will cover major cities across the country, including Tamale, Bolgatanga, Sunyani, Kumasi, Koforidua, Cape Coast, Takoradi and Accra.
According to the agency, the outreach programme will provide an opportunity for artists, musicians, actors, writers, designers, filmmakers and other creative professionals to engage directly with officials, ask questions and learn more about the agency’s services.
The Creative Arts Agency says the initiative forms part of its efforts to strengthen Ghana’s creative industry by promoting registration, collaboration and access to opportunities for practitioners nationwide.
The campaign is being held under the slogan: “Creativity Beyond Borders.”
Entertainment
Shatta Wale Eyes GoldBod Collaboration to Promote Made-in-Ghana Jewellery Globally
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has expressed interest in partnering with the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to promote locally made jewellery and strengthen connections between Ghana’s creative industry and corporate institutions.
The award-winning musician proposed during a visit to the office of the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, where he was accompanied by rapper Medikal and members of his management team.
According to Shatta Wale, the visit was aimed at exploring possible areas of collaboration while supporting GoldBod’s “Made in Ghana Jewellery” initiative, which seeks to promote locally crafted jewellery products.
The SM boss began the meeting by thanking Sammy Gyamfi for welcoming them and recognising their efforts.
“Honourable, thank you. We just want to say God bless you once again for honouring us. You know, for people from the streets, sometimes we also just need a collaboration like this,” Shatta Wale said.
He introduced members of his team, including Medikal’s manager, his business manager and road manager, before explaining the purpose of their visit.
Shatta Wale revealed that he was impressed by the jewellery campaign being promoted by the Ghana Gold Board, saying the initiative inspired him to seek a partnership.
“When I saw the jewellery, I was just crazy about it. I was like, ‘No, we need to come and see you and discuss and have a good understanding of it,’” he stated.
The musician also disclosed that one of the key reasons for the meeting was to seek support and collaboration for his upcoming Shattafest event in the United Kingdom.
He said the partnership would help bridge the gap between Ghana’s entertainment sector and the corporate world.
“So basically we’re here for our Shattafest that we’re going to do in the UK, and also to ask for a little collaboration where we can merge the streets with the corporate world,” he explained.
Shatta Wale added that many entertainers often hesitate to approach corporate organisations for partnerships, a mindset he wants to change.
“I believe most of the time we get scared to approach people like your team. But I want to break that yoke and make sure we can also call on you people when we need support,” he said.
The dancehall artiste further expressed interest in becoming an ambassador for the Gold Board’s jewellery initiative, noting that promoting Ghana-made jewellery internationally could improve the country’s image.
He also emphasised his personal love for jewellery and suggested that properly branded Ghanaian jewellery could become a global product.
“Apart from that, we also want to be part of your jewellery project. I like jewellery, but I was telling him if we have to get the proper jewellery to wear and sell Ghana properly, this is the way to go,” he said.
Shatta Wale concluded by saying the purpose of the visit was to officially present their proposal and explore opportunities for cooperation.
“That’s why we came here to see you and let you know this is our agenda. Thank you very much,” he concluded.
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