Kafui Danku Expresses Confidence in NDC’s Ability to Revitalize Ghana’s Film Industry

By: Kekeli K. Blamey

Ghanaian actress Kafui Danku has expressed optimism that the country’s film industry will experience significant improvement if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wins the upcoming general election on December 7, 2024.

In an interview with Doreen Avio of Hitz FM, Kafui, a vocal supporter of the NDC, discussed the ongoing challenges facing the Ghanaian film sector. She noted that these issues, particularly in funding and distribution, have persisted and even worsened over time. Despite these setbacks, she remains hopeful that change is possible, especially if the NDC returns to power.

“Funding and distribution have always been a challenge, but it has declined even more recently. I was hoping it would get better, but if we all stop putting in effort or lose our passion, it’s never going to improve. We need to get back to work, do our part, and perhaps try something different to see if it makes a difference,” Kafui remarked.

Kafui further shared her confidence in the leadership of the NDC’s Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, highlighting his commitment to the arts industry. She pointed out that Mahama’s campaign and public statements reflect a genuine passion for the creative sector, with specific plans to support its growth.

“I’ve been following John Mahama’s campaign closely. He’s passionate about our industry, and I’ve heard him talk about his eagerness for us to benefit from 5G technology to create content. He has plans for us. You’ve seen in the news how he’s supported veteran actors—he clearly cares about the arts and the people who paved the way. I’m confident that when he’s back in power, he’ll do something to make it better,” Kafui stated.

She also criticized the current economic conditions under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing them as unfavorable for citizens, further reinforcing her belief that the NDC would bring about positive change for the film industry and the country at large.

“I am Ghanaian. I live in Ghana. I work in Ghana. I eat, breathe in Ghana. I mean, are you not feeling the heat? Okay fine, let’s just go to the basics. During somebody’s era we had this exchange rate thingy; it was much better. I was working on a project, do you know the project is stuck? Because when people bring me the quote, the next moment the quote changes. When I go and collect my ‘susu’, and wants to go on a project, then it changes. Now I have to hold on. Just when they bring another quote and I want to raise more ‘susu’, it changes again. Like it has affected me a lot. Cost of living, I felt it over the couple of years. I lot has gone on. So I think change will be better,” she added.

Although the various political parties are yet to launch their manifestoes, some of them have laid down some policy ideas. While the New Patriotic Party seeks to provide online music platforms for musicians, provide e-visa for visitors, improve on the Beyond the Return and provide tax incentives for creatives, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has outlined about 22 promises for the cultural and creative industries.

1. Budgetary Allocation for Creative Arts: A dedicated budget will be established to support the growth and sustainability of the creative arts sector.
2. Golden Age of Culture, Arts, and Tourism: This overarching policy will be declared to promote job creation and entrepreneurship within the sector. It will include various initiatives, such as the BlackStar Experience, aimed at fostering African identity among Ghanaians and attracting global audiences to explore Ghana’s arts, tourism, and culture.
3. Renovation of Regional Arts and Culture Centers: Key centers of arts and culture across the regions will undergo significant renovations to enhance their capacity to support creative activities.
4. Streamlining Copyright and IP Laws: Efforts will be made to refine and enforce copyright modalities and intellectual property laws to protect and empower creative professionals.
5. Film Festivals for Ghanaian Cinema: A series of film festivals will be organized to showcase and celebrate Ghanaian films, providing a platform for local filmmakers to gain recognition.
6. Arts Exhibitions and Cultural Events: The sector will see an increase in arts exhibitions, music shows, fashion programs, and other cultural events to promote Ghanaian creativity.
7. Focus on Drama and Theatre Arts: Special emphasis will be placed on supporting playwrights and theatre artists, enabling them to showcase their works through various platforms.
8. International Trade Fair Participation: Creatives will be supported to attend international trade fairs, where they can exhibit Ghanaian culture and arts, fostering global connections and opportunities.
9. Establishment of a Film Village: The long-term dream of establishing a dedicated film village will be pursued, providing filmmakers with access to low-cost equipment and resources.
10. National Theatre Rehabilitation and Expansion: The National Theatre in Accra will be rehabilitated, and a second National Theatre will be constructed in Kumasi to broaden access to performance arts venues.
11. Special Event Channel for Creative Arts: A special event channel on digital terrestrial television (DTT) will be created, featuring creative arts programs. The technology will allow for a pay-per-view model, generating revenue for content creators.
12. Special Rates for Government-Owned Venues: Performances at government-owned venues such as the Black Star Square and Accra International Conference Centre will be offered at special rates to support local artists.
13. Incorporation of Music and Arts in Education: The curriculum will be enhanced to include music and arts, with trained teachers provided to deliver these subjects effectively.
14. Tax Breaks for Creative Artists: Tax incentives will be introduced for creative artists who possess Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), encouraging formalization and financial sustainability within the industry.
15. Formalized Fund for Aging Artistes: A dedicated fund will be established to support aging artists, ensuring their welfare and honoring their contributions to the creative arts sector.
16. Revival of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC): The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) will be revitalized to celebrate and promote Ghana’s rich cultural heritage on a national scale.
17. Development of Tourist Sites in Partnership with the Private Sector: Collaborative efforts with the private sector will be initiated to develop and enhance all major tourist sites, making them more attractive and accessible to both local and international visitors.
18. Revival of the Marine Drive Project: The Marine Drive Project will be revived to transform Ghana’s coastline into a vibrant hub for tourism, culture, and economic activity.
19. Provision of Amusement Parks: Amusement parks will be established to offer recreational spaces for families and tourists, contributing to the overall development of the tourism industry.
20. Tourism Fund Review: The tourism fund will be reviewed to ensure that it effectively benefits all stakeholders within the tourism value chain, fostering growth and sustainability in the sector.
21. Construction of a New City in the Volta Region: A new city will be built along the banks of the Volta River, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to generate arts activities and significantly boost tourism in the region.
22. Annual Stakeholders Dialogue for the Creative Arts: An annual dialogue will be held with stakeholders in the creative arts industry to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for the continued development of the sector.