Group Petitions Mahama to Revoke Kafui Danku and James Gardiner’s NFA Appointments
Arts Stakeholders Call for Reconsideration of NFA Appointments, Suggest Alternative Industry Experts
- Kafui Danku was named the Executive Secretary of the NFA
- James Gardiner was appointed as her Deputy.
- They argue that the appointment of an underqualified CEO is a step backward from the pursuit of excellence.
The Association of Ghanaian Creatives, a collective of arts industry stakeholders, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the recent appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the National Film Authority (NFA).
Kafui Danku was named the Executive Secretary of the NFA, while James Gardiner was appointed as her Deputy. However, the group is urging the President to reconsider these appointments and opt for other candidates.
In a petition on Change.org, the Association expressed concerns over the competence of Kafui and James to effectively lead the institution. “We, the undersigned members of the Association of Ghanaian Creatives, call on the government to appoint qualified, visionary leadership to the NFA.
The authority should be headed by a technocrat with extensive industry knowledge, supported by a board of experienced professionals capable of driving the sector toward revitalization and global competitiveness,” the petition reads.
The group argues that Kafui Danku and James Gardiner lack the necessary industry experience and expertise. “Neither Kafui Danku nor James Gardiner has the qualifications needed to lead such a crucial institution. Their experience is limited to low-budget productions and social media branding, which falls far short of the strategic leadership required to propel Ghana’s film industry forward,” the petition continues.
The petitioners also highlighted the legacy of Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, a Harvard-trained industry leader, whose tenure as NFA Executive Secretary was marked by groundbreaking initiatives and successful distribution deals with major companies like MTN.
They argue that the appointment of an underqualified CEO is a step backward from the pursuit of excellence.
In place of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner, the group has suggested several prominent figures within the film industry to lead the NFA, including:
- George Bosompin (National Film Institute, GAFTA)
- Jim Awindor (Film and Television Strategist)
- Akofa Edjeani Asiedu (Veteran Filmmaker and Policy Maker)
- Professor Linus Abraham (Media and Communication Expert)
- Akosua Abdallah (Film Education and Policy Expert)
- Ms. Nicole Amarteifio (Pioneering Filmmaker and Industry Advocate)
The petition urges President Mahama to appoint individuals with the right qualifications to lead the NFA and support the growth of Ghana’s film sector.
