Stop ignoring talents with special needs –Quick Action slams govts

GHANAIAN music producer, Joseph Appiah, widely known as Quick Action, has criticised successive governments for failing to create an inclusive environment for children with special abilities in the creative industry.

He believes individuals with special needs possess unique creative minds and talents that could greatly benefit the sector if properly harnessed.

As a dyslexic himself, Quick Action has defied the odds to become one of Ghana's top music producers, having produced hits for A-List artistes such as Sarkodie, Samini, Stonebwoy, Ohemaa Mercy, Cindy Thompson and TicTac.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, he attributed his success to his determination and the support he received, but lamented that many others with special needs are being left behind due to the lack of opportunities and structured policies.

Quick Action argued that with the right policies and support systems in place, the creative industry could tap into the vast potential of individuals with special abilities.

“My criticism isn’t about this government but both past and present governments that have turned a blind eye to this very important issue that could change the lives of many people with special abilities.

“It’s election year and I’ve been keenly following the campaign and monitoring what our politicians are saying. It seems like you get attention or mention when you are loud enough for your voice to be heard, which shouldn’t be the case.

 “ As it’s happening all over the world, it's time for our government to take concrete steps towards creating an inclusive environment that allows indivials with special needs to thrive in the creative sector,”  he stated.

Earlier in June this year, Quick Action launched Dyslexia Connect in Ghana, an initiative aimed at empowering individuals with dyslexia and raising awareness of the condition at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon.

It was a follow-up to his Dyslexia is not Disability project unveiled on BBC's 'Focus on Africa' last year aimed at bringing back the confidence of dyslexics in various schools, workplaces and the society.

The project has taken Quick Action  to University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts and  British Council where he spoke on dyslexia intervention strategies for teachers and parents.

Joseph told Graphic Showbiz that his journey to success was not without its challenges. As a child, he struggled to read due to difficulties in recognising and writing English alphabets, which significantly impacted his educational experience.

However, he discovered his innate talent for music and dedicated himself to honing his skills. This passion ultimately led him to become a renowned Ghanaian music producer and sound engineer.

Despite his career fulfilment, Quick Action said he had never forgotten his struggles and through his project, he sought solutions to support these young individuals, empowering them to overcome their obstacles.

“It’s good for creative players to voice our frustrations and demand better attention and investment from government. However, it must be a collective interest and not one that only favours some creative units of the industry.

“ Perhaps, my view may sound hallow but being a dyslexic and a creative who has had the opportunity to travel around the world and interact with people with special needs, I know that Ghana has woefully failed in giving equal opportunities in this regard.

“ Many of our footballers, boxers, actors, musicians and larger creatives are dyslexic or have other special needs but are heroes today because of their inborn force. There are many stars who need to be discovered,” he said.