EDITOR’S LENS: Conquer battles within GH creative industry

Ghana's vibrant creative industry, boasting an array of music, film, theatre, and visual arts, is hindered by a crippling challenge of internal discord.

Rather than collaborating to uplift the industry, stakeholders are entangled in rivalries, prioritising individual recognition over collective progress.This lack of unity hampers unity, obstructs shared goals, and kills progress. 

Egos and competition, common in creative fields worldwide, have reached detrimental levels in Ghana. Artists, actors and musicians are consumed by personal success, creating a cutthroat environment where collaboration is sacrificed.

Groups such as the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), Audiovisual Rights Society of Ghana (ARSOG), Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Actors Guild, and Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) are plagued by infighting, ineffective leadership and accountability problems. 

These struggles reflect a pattern of greed, nepotism and self-interest, hindering progress.

For instance, infighting has plagued the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), which, despite being established in 1975, struggles to engage the majority of Ghana's musicians. 

Official membership stands at only 4,500, a stark contrast to the 100,000 musicians identified in the 2021 census. 

Participation in elections is alarmingly low, and rampant infighting has led to the formation of splinter groups, such as Musiglo.

Allegations of corruption have caused many prominent artistes to disassociate from MUSIGA, which often appears out of touch with industry trends, further weakening its position.

Graphic Showbiz believes that without a unified voice or strong governing body, the industry will continue to lack direction and coordination, and also struggle to address bedeviling challenges such as piracy, copyright infringement, and insufficient funding. (Related article: Harmony or havoc?The battle within Ghana's creative industry)

It should be mentioned that the repercussions extend far beyond individual disputes, stunting growth and diminishing appeal to investors and sponsors, especially government, which often raises such issues as an excuse for it not to fully commit to the good cause of creatives.

It's imperative for factions to set aside differences and unite for the common goal of enhancing the industry's welfare. 

Hence, Graphic Showbiz is challenging the various creative groups to create unity rather than chaos by rebuilding trust among stakeholders, attract investment and sponsorship, and address pressing industry issues.

A united front is not just preferable, it is the best choice since one must always put his or her house in order before inviting investors to their home. The question is, are creative industry players doing that? Let’s be serious.