$25million dollar contract to paint the city of Accra? FOCAP PRESIDENT KOJO PREKO DANKWA QUESTIONS THE CREATIVE ARTS INDUSTRY

 

I have critically read, the response from Gyankroma Akuffo Addo with regards to some news stories which allegedly said she has been awarded a $25million dollar contract to paint the city of Accra.  

I have some observations and critical questions begging clarity from her end. 

1-  The first paragraph of her statement mentioned that in August 2018, "Arts For All" was conceived  and that each of the project was paid with funds largely from private sector and sourced solely by Creative Arts Agency.  

-  Question: Whose prime idea was/is “Arts For All” which was conceived in August 2018 .

-  During 2017/18 the only existing council set up by the ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture was CREATIVE ARTS COUNCIL. Which had a three member committee of which Gyankroma Akuffo Addo was Director while Mark Okraku Mantey was the President. To the best of my knowledge, (l stand to be corrected)they had no project conceived as “Arts for All”

- Gyankroma’s statement which says “Each project was paid for with funds largely from the private sector, sourced solely by CREATIVE ARTS AGENCY makes me wonder which Creative Arts Agency she is talking about that we do not know off? 

The Creative Arts Agency which signed as CEO, was created in 2020 (Creative Arts Industry Act, 2020 Act 1048) therefore it cannot support the argument of “Arts for All” agenda. Unless there was a privately owned Creative Arts Agency (2018) which has finally metamorphosed into what we currently have. 

It is intriguing and mind boggling to note also, how under Act 1048, (financial provisions and funds of the Agency) the agency, with no  Board Chair, Members nor  Executive Secretary as required per article 195 of the Constitution, would source for funds from the Private Sector.

During the recent meet the press conference, Minister Awal answered a question from Foundation Of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP )saying , the Ministry of Finance had not given any financial clearance to allow appointments of staff at the Creative Arts Agency. 

Another question one would seek to ask, is if each of the projects was paid for how much did one cost  the CAA.

The Press Statement says “Projects were solely conceived, managed and financially undertaken by the Creative Arts Agency through its fundraising activities" OK. 

   - CAA is an agency under the ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture with a mandate under the Act 1048 to execute its mandates therefore under no circumstances would such an agency hold such strength and capacity to conduct and operate in such a manner forgetting not that CAA has not been active since it’s birth in 2022. 

- How much did the Fundraising Campaign accrue? How much knowledge does both Minister and Deputy Minister have of it before it was executed? 

Three sites were completed according to the statement from Gyankroma Akuffo Addo. 

1- Ako Adjei was funded by Private Sector: The statement lacked details as to which private sector dealt with a government agency. The statement did not also disclose how much the project cost the CAA. (Creative Arts Agency) Ako Adjei is a government property under a differrnt sector. Was this sector in the know of these plans and its cost for execution? 

 2- Tetteh Quarshie was paid by herself (Gyankroma Akuffo Addo): How much did it cost her respectfully? If she did it in her current capacity as CEO of Creative Arts Agency, (Act 1048 does not support her current position as CEO) or else, in which capacity did you operate?  

 3- Site 3 was completed by Ben Asante , CEO of Ghana Gas. We still deserve to know how much money was spent . 

The ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture has a lot of questions to answer when it comes to the current situation of the Creative Arts Agency (CAA). 

1- Who originated the current logo of CAA 

2- under what authority is Gyankroma Akuffo Addo operating as the CEO of CAA. 

 3- Gyankroma Akuffo Addo signed in her capacity as the  CEO when indeed the act doesn’t say so.

4-  The website www.CAC.gov.gh was created before the coming of CAA and was handled by a certain group. The site doesn’t speak to CAA. 

It is necessary to add that, Gyankroma Akuffo Addo's initiative is laudable and speaks well for the Creative Arts industry nonetheless, it is my truest desire to see things done right for which I seek this clarity. Do indulge me.

Kojo Preko Dankwa 

President FOCAP 

0575655656 (whatsapp)

0550077040 .