Ghanaian actor Adjetey Anang says the future of Ghana’s creative arts industry depends on unity, collaboration, and long-term independence from shifting political administrations.
At the National Film Dialogue, held September 16, 2025, at the University of Ghana’s Cedi Conference Centre under the theme “Accelerating Industry Development,” Anang welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s promise of financial support for the sector, calling it “a breath of fresh air.”
“The president and his team have always been very sensitive to the creative space, and, therefore, we’re always looking up to what they can do and help this space especially. For me, the news that there’s an allocation or the potential of having that for this space injects a breath of fresh air,” Anang said in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Joseph Henry Mensah.
He explained that Mahama’s commitment should serve as motivation for industry players to align with government policies and strengthen collaboration. “It’s for us to really align with the policies, with the government’s vision, and also support and make it possible for them to ensure that all their dreams and goals and aspirations for this sector comes to pass,” he added.
Still, Anang cautioned against complete reliance on state intervention, emphasizing the need for resilience within the industry. “We also need to stand on our own independently, so that whoever comes into power, we can’t still continue with the machinery that has been set up… I think that it also rests on us,” he explained.
He further stressed that without unity and compromise among creatives, government funding alone would not guarantee progress. “No matter how the government’s injection would be in this space, if we don’t stand as one, if we do not collaborate on all levels, see eye to eye and bury our hatchets and grievances, we will not be able to thrive as an industry.”
Anang’s comments follow Mahama’s recent assurance that the upcoming national budget will dedicate resources to the creative sector, which the president has highlighted as essential for both job creation and cultural identity.
