Kojo Preko Dankwa Calls for Mahama to Become Ghana’s Creative Arts Ambassador

President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), Kojo Preko Dankwa has called for President John Dramani Mahama to be officially made an ambassador for Ghana’s creative arts sector, citing his strong interest in the industry and his efforts to promote and support creatives.

According to Preko Dankwa, President Mahama’s frequent references to creative works, comedians, skits, films and other forms of entertainment at public events demonstrate his deep understanding of and affection for the creative sector.

Speaking to KPDonline.com, He said the President often uses public platforms to demonstrate his knowledge of developments within the creative industry, including content he encounters on social media and films he watches.

Preko Dankwa believes these actions are evidence that Mahama has a genuine interest in the sector and could therefore play a larger role in promoting Ghanaian creativity both locally and internationally.

He further pointed to the President’s manifesto commitments and his reported support for veteran actors, musicians and other industry personalities as indications of his desire to improve the welfare of people in the creative space.

A major issue highlighted by Preko Dankwa was the establishment and financing of the Creative Arts Fund.

He argued that although previous governments had made promises concerning the fund, Mahama’s administration had gone further by providing what he described as GH¢40 million in seed funding, with an indication that additional funding could be provided if the initial allocation was properly utilized.

Preko Dankwa said this, in his view, distinguishes Mahama’s approach from previous administrations that promised support for the sector but failed to put money into the fund.

He therefore appealed to the creative industry to consider making Mahama an official ambassador for creative arts.

“If we make him the creative arts ambassador,” he argued, the President could use his position and international engagements to create more opportunities for Ghanaian creatives.

Preko Dankwa also expressed concern that when President Mahama travelled to Jamaica, there was no creative industry representative among the delegation.

He suggested that future presidential delegations could include musicians, writers, sculptors, filmmakers and other creatives who could help promote Ghana’s cultural identity and strengthen the country’s creative diplomacy.

He cited names such as Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale, as well as other creatives, arguing that Ghana has a wide range of talents who could help project the country internationally.

Preko Dankwa further praised what he described as increased recognition of creatives under the current administration, including the appointment of creative professionals to positions within Ghana’s cultural and diplomatic space.

He referenced individuals such as Akofa Edjeani, Dr Abdela and Selom Kwakye, who, according to him, have been given opportunities to represent Ghana abroad.

He also cited the appointment of a creative arts ambassador to Spain as another indication of the administration’s recognition of the sector’s potential in promoting the Ghanaian brand.

Preko Dankwa compared his proposal to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s role in promoting the Beyond the Return initiative, saying the former president personally championed the programmer on international platforms and helped attract members of the diaspora to Ghana.

He believes Mahama could similarly use the presidency to champion the creative sector and ensure that its challenges receive sustained attention.

Among the areas he wants the President to priorities are insurance, housing, welfare and the implementation of policies contained in the government’s manifesto for creatives.

Preko Dankwa ultimately called for Mahama to take on the role of creative arts ambassador in order to help establish stronger structures and systems that could continue functioning even after his administration leaves office.