FOCAP advocates major reforms in Creative Arts Agency, applauds NDC for swift action

The Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) has renewed its commitment to advocating for reforms in Ghana’s creative sector, celebrating recent improvements at the Creative Arts Agency (CAA) under the new administration.

FOCAP, which emerged during the tenure of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, was initially misjudged by some as politically motivated. However, the group consistently maintained that its sole mission was to champion positive change in the creative industry.

During the NPP era, FOCAP repeatedly called out several illegalities within the sector, including governance lapses and irregular practices at the CAA. Despite persistent advocacy, the Ministry failed to address their concerns until the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed power.

Describing the NDC government as "a listening government," FOCAP commended the swift actions taken to correct the sector’s longstanding issues. These included:

• Rectifying the illegal use of a private website masquerading as the Agency’s official platform.

• Addressing the confusion caused by a conflicting logo identity shared by a government agency and a private company.

• Appointing a legally mandated Executive Secretary, in compliance with Act 1048 of 2020 and Article 195 of the Constitution.

FOCAP stressed that these steps mark the beginning of a much-needed "reset agenda" for the creative industry.

During the NPP’s time in office, FOCAP had been vocal about the illegal appointment of Gyankroma Akufo-Addo as the Executive Secretary, a move they argued was unconstitutional. They advocated for the lawful appointment of a qualified Executive Secretary and the establishment of a governing board, and even threatened public protests to demand compliance with the law. Their activism also exposed inconsistencies in the Agency’s branding and operations.

Today, FOCAP expresses gratitude to the current leadership at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, as well as to Gideon Aryeequaye, the newly appointed Executive Secretary, for their rapid response in addressing the inefficiencies and irregularities.

FOCAP is calling on all players in the creative sector to unite behind the reforms and work collaboratively to build a stronger, more vibrant creative economy.