Kojo Preko Dankwa Responds to Kwame Dadzie: Setting the Record Straight on the Creative Arts Federation of Ghana (CAFOG)

I have read your article titled “Why the Creative Arts Federation of Ghana is a Needless Formation”, and while I appreciate your opinion and the freedom of expression it represents, I must respectfully and strongly disagree with your arguments.

1. On Duplication of Mandates

Every association—whether political, religious, or professional—has a purpose for its formation. Political parties, for instance, all aim to win power, yet differ in ideologies and governance strategies. That same logic applies here.

In the tourism sector, the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) exists with a clear and distinct mandate. It does not attempt to represent all creative or cultural bodies. Similarly, the formation of the Creative Arts Federation (CAFOG) does not duplicate any existing mandate but rather fills a critical gap within the creative industry.

2. On the Role of Ghana Culture Forum (GCF)

The Ghana Culture Forum is indeed a respected organisation in the sector, and I acknowledge its contributions. However, it is important to distinguish its purpose from that of CAFOG.

GCF is a membership-based civil society consultative forum, a network of cultural practitioners and organisations aimed at affirming the cultural foundations of national development. While GCF focuses on cultural advocacy from a civil society standpoint, CAFOG serves as a federation of creative arts associations, formed specifically to address sector-wide issues, engage stakeholders, and represent creatives on the national stage.

They are fundamentally not the same. The assertion that CAFOG duplicates GCF’s role is, therefore, inaccurate.

Furthermore, the GCF executives you referenced were appointed by the forum itself, not by the associations they may be affiliated. This distinction is crucial and should not be overlooked.

3. On Representation and Act 1048

One of the most urgent matters confronting the creative sector is the effective implementation of Act 1048, which established the Creative Arts Agency. The law calls for sector-wide representation on the agency’s board, not just representation by individual associations.

So, the question is: Who represents the creative sector? And how are these representatives selected? If we don’t have a broad-based and inclusive structure like CAFOG, how can we ensure proper, democratic representation for creatives across disciplines?

Let’s be honest: how many times has GCF publicly addressed the missteps and irregularities surrounding the Creative Arts Agency? What has been their stance on the inactivity of Act 1048, or the controversial leadership of Gyankroma Akufo-Addo under the NPP government? Has GCF spoken out for creatives in times of institutional silence? The record is telling.

4. On Other Associations and the Issue of “Duplication”

If CAFOG is a duplication, then by that same logic, Art Writers Association of Ghana (led by George Quaye), Bloggers Association of Ghana (led by Attractive Mustapha), and the New Media Association of Ghana are also “duplications.” In truth, many creatives belong to multiple associations simultaneously, reflecting the complexity and diversity of our industry, not redundancy.

The recent inauguration of the Culture and Creative Arts Committee by Minister Dzifa Gomashie—with Nanahemaa Adwoa Awindor as Chairperson—is another example. Did the ministry consult all the relevant associations? Does this new committee not overlap with GCF’s supposed mandate? Yet, the same voices decrying CAFOG are silent on this. That is hypocrisy at its finest.

5. On Clarifications Regarding Dissociation

Let me state this clearly: those who have claimed to disassociate themselves from CAFOG—particularly Mr. Bessa Simons—must be reminded that he did consent to serve on the federation’s board and even submitted an acceptance letter.

If his stance has changed, that’s unfortunate. But we must not tarnish an initiative simply because of personal disagreements or political undercurrents.

A Final Word

This federation is led by an interim leadership. Some may dislike certain personalities or feel left out of early discussions, but let us not throw away a necessary structure that can truly advance the interests of creatives across the country.

If the vision is right and the mission is clear, then we must unite behind it and work for its success, for the betterment of the industry we all claim to serve.

Kojo Preko Dankwa
Communications Officer
Creative Arts Federation of Ghana (CAFOG)
📞 0550077040 / 0575655656