A group of Ghanaian arts stakeholders, the Association of Ghanaian Creatives, has launched a petition on change.org, urging President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the National Film Authority (NFA).

The petitioners argue that Kafui Danku, appointed as Executive Secretary, and James Gardiner, appointed as Deputy Executive Secretary, lack the necessary expertise and industry experience to lead the NFA effectively. They claim that the duo’s backgrounds in low-budget productions and social media branding are insufficient to drive the growth of Ghana’s film sector.

The Association of Ghanaian Creatives emphasizes the need for a technocrat with deep industry knowledge to helm the NFA, supported by a board of experienced creative professionals. They suggest alternative candidates, including:

• George Bosompin (National Film Institute, GAFTA)
• 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)

The petitioners draw a contrast between the current appointments and the legacy of Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, a Harvard-trained industry leader who previously led the NFA and brokered significant distribution deals with major players like MTN.