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Socrate Safo Warns Against Partisan Politics in Ghana’s Creative Industry
Veteran filmmaker and creative industry advocate Socrate Safo has criticised what he describes as petty partisan politics in Ghana’s creative industry, warning that the practice of abandoning initiatives introduced by previous governments could undermine the sector’s development.
In a Facebook post, Mr Safo expressed disappointment over what he considers the prioritisation of political interests over national development by some creative industry practitioners appointed to public office.
He specifically questioned comments reportedly made by Rex Omar, the appointee responsible for the Black Star Experience Secretariat, which he believes sought to downplay the achievements of the Beyond the Return campaign introduced under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
According to Socrate Safo, Ghana’s creative industry cannot achieve sustainable growth if changes in government consistently result in the abandonment of existing programmes, the dismantling of established structures and attempts to discredit the accomplishments of political predecessors.
Mr Safo described Beyond the Return as a significant initiative that helped raise Ghana’s international profile, strengthen the country’s relationship with the African diaspora and generate global interest in the country.
Although he acknowledged that the campaign, like any public programme, might have had shortcomings, he maintained that such weaknesses should have been assessed and addressed rather than used as grounds for political dismissal.
He argued that initiatives with demonstrated value should be evaluated and improved to ensure their continued contribution to national development.
His comments come amid discussions surrounding the transition from Beyond the Return to the Black Star Experience, with the filmmaker raising concerns about the reported closure of the former campaign’s office and the dissolution of its operational structures.
While acknowledging that the Black Star Experience deserves an opportunity to succeed, Mr Safo insisted that the public should be able to assess its tangible achievements and understand why an existing initiative was not sustained or improved.
Questions Rex Omar’s Position
Socrate Safo also questioned Rex Omar’s reported position on Beyond the Return, drawing attention to what he considers a contradiction between the musician’s political and ideological convictions and his apparent stance on the treatment of initiatives introduced by previous governments.
He described Mr Omar as an ardent Nkrumaist who frequently celebrates the vision and legacy of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, on public platforms.
Mr Safo said he found it surprising that someone who recognises the consequences of abandoning Nkrumah’s projects and legacy would seemingly support similar treatment of initiatives introduced by another administration.
He raised questions about whether such a position was consistent with the principles Mr Omar publicly professes.
“How can one condemn the neglect of Nkrumah’s legacy while seemingly endorsing the same treatment of other governments’ achievements?” he asked.
He further questioned: “Is this not a contradiction of the very principles he professes? At what point does political loyalty become political hypocrisy?”
The filmmaker stressed that achievements in national development should not be dismissed simply because the political administration responsible for introducing them has left office.
He maintained that creative industry appointees have a responsibility to serve the sector and the Ghanaian people rather than focus solely on the political interests of the parties that appointed them.
According to him, Ghana’s creative professionals, including filmmakers, musicians, actors and event organisers, need sustainable policies, investment, employment opportunities and functioning institutions to support their work.
He warned that political score-settling could distract from the practical measures needed to strengthen the industry and create opportunities for practitioners.
Mr Safo argued that Ghana would struggle to build a sustainable creative economy if successive governments continued to dismantle programmes whenever political power changed hands.
He called for successful initiatives to be preserved, weaknesses to be addressed and newly introduced programmes to be assessed based on their contributions and results.
Reaffirming his commitment to promoting continuity and national development, Socrate Safo said he had personally championed the call for the creative industry to move beyond partisan considerations.
He urged practitioners to acknowledge and preserve initiatives that benefit the country, regardless of the political party responsible for introducing them.
He also called for greater courage to recognise good work and the wisdom to improve existing programmes rather than destroy them for political reasons.
“Our duty is not to protect political parties; it is to protect the future of Ghana’s creative industry,” he stated.
Mr Safo concluded that the sector needed leadership, continuity, accountability and a shared commitment to national development rather than what he described as petty partisan politics.
He also emphasised the importance of recognising achievements made by political opponents, arguing that the ability to identify and learn from another person’s accomplishments demonstrates an understanding of how to improve upon them.
“The ability to identify the positive sides and achievements of your competitor is a mark of knowing how to do it right and better, when given the opportunity,” he said.