VETERAN filmmaker Socrate Safo has delivered a blistering critique of Ghana’s creative industry, blaming its decline not on government neglect or lack of talent but on the creatives themselves.
Safo believes indiscipline, greed and betrayal of trust have crippled what was once a vibrant sector, driving away investors who were eager to support Ghanaian art, music and film.
“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 from decades of experience, Safo said many artistes and producers had turned the industry into a battlefield of ego and short-term gain, rather than a space for growth and collaboration.
“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 cited the Zylofon Art Fund as a painful example of the industry’s self-inflicted wounds. The fund, which once provided interest-free loans to Ghanaian creatives, crumbled because many beneficiaries refused to repay their loans. Some even celebrated its downfall when the parent company, Menzgold, collapsed.
“The Zylofon Art Fund was a groundbreaking idea, but too many creatives treated it as free money.
“When it collapsed, some of the very people who benefited mocked it. That’s how we destroy opportunities meant for us,” he lamented.
The filmmaker stressed that until creatives learn to respect agreements and handle the arts as a business, and not a playground, the industry will keep spinning in circles.
“We must fix our attitude before calling for government or private investment. No government can fix an industry whose people refuse to fix themselves,” he said bluntly.
Safo also pointed to what he described as “a culture of self-sabotage” that cuts across every arm of the creative space — from film to fashion and music to visual arts.
“In music, artistes fight their managers and producers. In film, actors clash with producers over roles and payments. In fashion, sponsors complain about disorganisation. Even in the visual arts, galleries and artists battle over pricing. The in-fighting never stops,” he added.
Despite the harsh truths, Safo believes reform is still possible if policymakers and industry players take responsibility.
He urged government agencies to protect intellectual property, ensure investor returns and punish piracy, while creatives themselves rebuild trust and professionalism.
“We can bring back the glory days. But it starts with us — the Creatives. Until we change, no amount of funding will save this industry.
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