Veteran filmmaker Socrate Safo, has offered a scathing indictment of Ghana’s creative sector, attributing its downfall to the creatives themselves rather than a lack of skill or government indifference.
Safo feels that what was once a thriving industry has been destroyed by indiscipline, greed, and betrayal of trust, which has turned away investors who were keen to promote Ghanaian music, film, and art.
“The Ghanaian creative industry didn’t collapse because of a lack of talent or support,” Safo told Graphic Showbiz in an interview on Tuesday, October 27.
“It collapsed because we, the creatives, lost discipline, broke trust and destroyed investor confidence,” he added.
Drawing on decades of experience, Safo claimed that rather than being a place for development and cooperation, many artists and producers have transformed the business into a battleground of ego and short-term gain.
“We insult investors, disrespect them and default on our promises. When someone supports a film, concert or art project, they’re taking a risk because they believe in us.
“Yet we break contracts, quarrel publicly and turn business partners into enemies. How can any serious investor come back after that?” he queried.
Safo used the Zylofon Art Fund as a devastating illustration of the industry’s self-inflicted injuries. The fund, which had previously given interest-free loans to Ghanaian artists, collapsed as a result of numerous borrowers’ refusal to pay back their loans. When the main firm, Menzgold, failed, some even rejoiced over its demise.
“The Zylofon Art Fund was a groundbreaking idea, but too many creatives treated it as free money.
NKONKONSA.com
