Movie Gurus Petition Mahama to Revoke Kafui Danku and James Gardiner’s NFA Appointments
- Some players in the Ghanaian movie industry have challenged the appointment of actress Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the NFA
- The Association of Ghanaian Creatives petitioned President Mahama to have their appointments rescinded, citing concerns over their competence
- The group has suggested alternative candidates, including veteran filmmakers and industry experts, to take the helm of the NFA
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Ghanaian movie stars, Kafui Danku and James Gardiner, have been appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to head the National Film Authority (NFA).
Actress Kafui Danku will helm affairs as the CEO and Executive Secretary, while James Gardiner will assist her as the Deputy Executive Secretary.
Source: Instagram
Even before the duo officially begins work, some players in the Ghanaian movie industry have challenged their appointments.
A group identified as the Association of Ghanaian Creatives has launched an online petition to get Kafui and James' appointments rescinded.
According to the group, which comprises arts stakeholders, the newly appointed CEO and Executive Secretary and her deputy lack the requisite skills and competence to helm the NFA.
Consequently, the Association of Ghanaian Creatives has called on President Mahama to revoke the appointments and replace Kafui and James with more competent and visionary individuals.
"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," they stated in the petition.
"The appointment of James Gardiner as Head of the NFA was met with skepticism by industry professionals. However, the subsequent selection of Kafui Danku as CEO is a decision that has sent shockwaves through the creative community, posing an existential threat to an already fragile sector. These appointments are not just unfortunate; they are symptomatic of a broader failure to recognize the importance of informed leadership in an industry that holds the potential to be a major economic and cultural driver for Ghana."
In place of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner, the group has suggested names of some individuals within the Ghanaian movie industry whom they believe are best fit for the job.
The names include George Bosompin from the National Film Institute (GAFTA), Jim Awindor, a film and television strategist, Akofa Edjeani Asiedu, and veteran filmmaker and policy maker.
Others include Professor Linus Abraham, a media and communication expert; Akosua Abdallah, a film education and policy expert, and Nicole Amarteifio, a pioneering filmmaker and industry advocate.
Source: Instagram
3 GAFTA members unhappy with petition
Three members of the Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA) have dissociated themselves from a petition calling for the revocation of the appointment of James Gardiner and Kafiu Danku.
The trio, Dr. Jim Fara Awindor, George Bosompim and Professor Linus Abraham, in a release, have denied any involvement in the online petition.
The statement then labelled the petition being signed by some industry people as “mischievous” and “scandalous.
"Our attention has been drawn to a petition circulating on our platform and elsewhere for the removal of two recently appointed Executives of the NFA.
Three names appearing on the list, GEORGE BOSOMPIM, JIM AWINDOR and LINUS ABRAHAM, belong to GAFTA and are not privy to such a petition. The members are not aware of such a petition; they never discussed nor signed it. To us, this is mischievous and scandalous. We are disassociating ourselves from the said petition, and the petition does not represent our opinion. ",
Reactions to the movie industry gurus' petition
Netizens have reacted to the petition by the movie industry gurus to get Kafui Danku and James Gardiner's appointment revoked.
Below are some of the comments on the post about the group's petition.
@Charlie Bwoy said:
"That group should appoint themselves for any role they want."
@Sefakor Maayaa also said:
"An industry full of hate and envy ...its a big shame for the Ghana Film Authority."
@June K Selorm commented:
"They shld hurriedly create their own gvt and appoint whoever they want to lead them. Selfish people all around."
Abla Dzifa Gomashie was appointed tourism minister
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported that veteran Ghanaian actress, Able Dzifa Gomashie, was appointed by President Mahama as the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts.
Mrs Gomashie's appointment was praised by many stakeholders within the Ghanaian movie industry.
The veteran actress is also a Member of Parliament for Ketu South.
Source: YEN.com.gh
