Ghanaian filmmaker and ardent New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, Socrate Safo, has revealed that he envies the creative players of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for being appreciated by the party with solid appointments.
Socrate confirmed his admiration for the NDC government for consistently acknowledging and promoting creatives.
In a recent interview on Okay FM, Safo, a former Director of Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture, expressed disappointment with NPP's perceived lack of recognition and appreciation for creatives.
Since assuming office, the Mahama led NDC government has appointed creative to very influential positions.
Key among them are Rex Omar, Coordinator for Black Star Experience, Abeiku Santana, Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Media personality, Kofi Okyere Darko as Director of Diaspora Affairs with actors Kafui Danku and James Gardiner as Executive and Deputy Directors of National Film Authority(NFA).
Actor John Dumelo is Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ebi Bright holds the position of MCE of Tema Municipality with actor Wakefield Ackuaku holding the position of Executive Director of National Commission on Culture (NCC).
Veteran actress, Kalsoume Sinare’s latest appointment as Ambassador of Spain has perhaps deepened the perception of NDC’s appreciation for creatives. (Read Mahama hands Ambassador role to Actress Kalsoume Sinare)
“I jealous them. Let me confess. I jealous them. I feel that the NDC is respecting the mental fortitude of the creatives. They are listening and they have not stopped.
"I look at my colleagues; the Rex Omars, the KODs, Abeiku Santanas. How many people didn't we have in the NPP? What did they do for us? You go and they look in a condescending manner, thinking they are better than you. We had the creatives who could do excellent jobs but they were overlooked just because they claim they don’t have degrees,” he stated.
According to Safo, the NPP often overlooks creatives, deeming them less qualified due to some lacking formal academic credentials but believes the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has demonstrated a stronger commitment to incorporating arts and culture into governance.
He thinks the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should follow suit to tap into the creative potential of Ghanaian artistes.
