Flagbearer of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga emphasized the urgent need for a change in leadership within the creative sector.
He believes that such a change is crucial to meet the industry’s needs and facilitate its growth in terms of income and revenue.
Ayariga outlined practical steps to achieve this transformation, stressing the importance of embracing change as a catalyst for progress.
He highlighted deficiencies in current leadership structures within the creative industry, using examples such as improving radio stations like Hitz FM by upgrading equipment and management, which could lead to increased advertising revenue and higher salaries for employees.
“What are the leaderships? What are the structures? The creative industry needs an overhauling in leadership. We ‘Ghana’ are rich, but poor in leadership.
“Say Hitz FM is in bad shape with dirty microphones, etc. If I change the leader who is managing the place, we now see a plasma TV, a centre, monitoring what is happening, and people transmitting all the things.
“You will then get to understand the value of Hitz FM. Sooner or later, adverts will start to come in and you will make money, salaries will also increase,” Hassan Ayariga stated.
Furthermore, Ayariga expressed concerns about Ghana’s loss of sovereignty in partnerships with foreign entities, leading to economic challenges and a loss of national identity.
“Ghana is lost and it is really sad. Somebody needs to find her. We don’t even believe in the Ghanaian potential anymore because the country has been taken over by foreigners”.
“We are becoming the 21st century slaves, neo colonialism and that is what late president Kwame Nkrumah said. Politicians do not understand even though they are the cause of it, but it is happening.
“You don’t partner and everything is being taken away from you,” he stated.
He urged Ghanaians to reclaim their potential and avoid becoming subservient to external influences.
Addressing young creatives, Ayariga encouraged them to prioritise originality and self-generation in their work, emphasising that creativity is key to success in the arts industry.
He cited Dubai as an example of a region thriving due to its innovative approaches, urging Ghanaian creatives to adopt similar strategies.
“Creativity is an act of love, understanding, will and power. Begin to do things differently, act differently, and do not wait for people to do things before you, but rather, do things for others to copy.
“If you copy, you become second but if you are creative in the arts industry, you become so well and that’s why Dubai is doing so well”, he added.
Overall, Ayariga’s stance reflects a call for proactive leadership, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on creativity to drive growth and development in Ghana’s creative sector.