Veteran filmmaker Socrate Safo has lashed out at the creative industry, attributing its decline to the creatives themselves rather than government neg
Veteran filmmaker Socrate Safo has lashed out at the creative industry, attributing its decline to the creatives themselves rather than government neglect or lack of talent.
According to Safo, indiscipline, greed, and betrayal of trust have crippled the industry, driving away investors who were once eager to support Ghanaian art, music, and film.
Speaking in an interview, Safo emphasized that the industry’s collapse stems from creatives’ inability to respect agreements and handle their craft as a business.
He cited the Zylofon Art Fund’s demise as a prime example, where beneficiaries failed to repay loans, ultimately leading to the fund’s downfall.
“The Ghanaian creative industry didn’t collapse because of a lack of talent or support,” Safo said. “It collapsed because we, the creatives, lost discipline, broke trust, and destroyed investor confidence.”
Socrate Safo also highlighted a “culture of self-sabotage” that pervades every aspect of the creative space, from film to fashion and music to visual arts.
He urged creatives to take responsibility and rebuild trust and professionalism, emphasizing that government agencies must protect intellectual property and ensure investor returns.
Despite the harsh criticism, Safo believes reform is possible if policymakers and industry players work together to address these issues.
He stressed the need for creatives to respect agreements and handle their craft as a business, rather than a playground.
By acknowledging and addressing these issues, Safo believes the industry can recover and thrive, but it requires a collective effort from creatives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
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