Harmony or havoc?The battle within Ghana's creative industry

GHANA’S Creative Industry is a treasure trove of talent, boasting a rich tapestry of music, film, theatre, and visual arts. Yet, beneath this vibrant exterior lies a significant challenge that threatens its potential for growth: persistent discord among its players and groups.

Rather than fostering collaboration to uplift the industry, many stakeholders find themselves embroiled in rivalries, prioritising individual recognition over collective advancement. This lack of unity not only hampers cohesion but also obstructs the achievement of shared goals.

While egos and competition are common in creative fields worldwide, in Ghana, they have escalated into formidable barriers to progress. Artists, actors, and musicians often become consumed by their quests for personal success, creating a cutthroat environment where collaboration is sidelined in favour of outshining one another. 

Compounding this issue is the absence of effective leadership; without a unified voice or strong governing body, the industry suffers from a lack of direction and coordination, making it challenging to tackle critical problems like piracy, copyright infringement, and insufficient funding.

The repercussions of this discord extend far beyond individual disputes, stunting the industry’s growth and diminishing its appeal to potential investors and sponsors. As a result, the sector grapples with issues like brain drain, declining quality of work, and a growing disregard from government and international organisations. 

In this landscape, the urgent need for collaboration and a shared vision becomes evident, as Ghana’s creative community must confront its internal battles to forge a more harmonious and prosperous future.

 GHAMRO Debacle

The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) stands as a stark example of how internal discord can derail progress within the creative sector. While the current leadership, secretariat, and board may publicly attribute their ongoing issues to political manoeuvering, the reality is far more complex and rooted in infighting, ego clashes, and unbridled greed. 

The organisation's struggles are deeply intertwined with longstanding problems related to elections and accountability, reflecting a pattern that has plagued GHAMRO for years. In an unprecedented move, the government has stepped in, compelling the leadership to address these issues by organising proper elections and submitting to rigorous audits. 

The Copyright Office has also mandated GHAMRO to adopt recommendations from the Esi Sutherland Committee, which seeks to bring order to the chaos through measures such as a new constitution, a forensic audit, and suspension of ongoing court cases. Additionally, the dissolved election committee is called to oversee new elections. 

Despite these pressing recommendations, GHAMRO's leadership continues to insist that all is well, revealing a disconcerting disregard for the underlying problems driven by greed, nepotism, and self-interest. This denial only further exacerbates the disarray, highlighting the urgent need for genuine reform within the organisation.

 ARSOG Conundrum

The Audio Visual Rights Society of Ghana (ARSOG) is ensnared in ineffective leadership and accountability problems. Despite the previous board's term expiring in 2021, elections were only held in 2024, leaving the organisation in disarray. 

The lack of repercussions for overstaying leaders and inadequate transitions have compounded the crisis. Many leaders appear more focused on personal agendas rather than the broader interests of their members, leading to stagnation and disillusionment.

Discord at MUSIGA

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.

Struggles of the Actors Guild of Ghana

The Actors Guild of Ghana has faced power struggles since the passing of its president, Rev. Eddie Coffie, in 2016. The absence of new executive elections has left the Guild without direction, impeding its ability to advocate for its members. 

Ongoing leadership disputes have stifled opportunities in the burgeoning streaming market, making it difficult to attract investments. Without effective leadership, the Guild risks further marginalisation in an evolving industry.

No Funds To Lead At FIPAG

The Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) illustrates the challenges of leadership without governance. The current leadership operates without an electoral mandate, failing to conduct necessary elections due to financial constraints. 

This inability raises questions about their capacity to manage pressing industry issues. Leading without a constitutional mandate undermines their authority and sets the stage for potential legal disputes, destabilising the organisation further.

Ghana Association of Phonographic Industry Attempting to Find Its Feet

The Ghana Association of Phonographic Industry is slowly finding its footing after years of internal discord. Following the election of new executives in December 2021, the association has made significant strides, including establishing an office and launching a website. 

In partnership with Apprise Music, they have begun digitising members' works, indicating a positive shift towards modernisation. However, the legacy of past leadership still casts a shadow, and members remain reluctant to provide financial support due to years of discord.

The ongoing infighting within Ghana's creative community not only makes them an unattractive collective but also acts as a bane to the political elite, who often overlook a fractured industry. It is imperative for these factions to set aside their differences and unite for the common goal of enhancing the industry's overall welfare. 

Only through collaboration and a shared vision can the aspirations of individuals within the sector be achieved. By fostering harmony rather than chaos, Ghana's creatives can reclaim their potential and attract the much-needed attention and investment. A united front is not just preferable; it is essential for survival in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.