The VIP Lounge of Ghana’s National Theatre became a landmark setting for the country’s creative sector as the Creative Arts Federation of Ghana (CAFOG) was officially launched. The historic event marks a turning point in the industry’s long pursuit of cohesion, structure, and national recognition.
The inauguration drew representatives from the seven core creative domains—film, music, fashion, visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, and media—alongside dignitaries, government officials, and stakeholders, including Henry Malm, Director of the National Theatre.
The ceremony opened with a heartfelt prayer calling for divine direction: “May today mark a turnaround in Creative Arts. May the lives of creative entrepreneurs never be the same.”
Answering the Call for Unity
In his keynote address, Richard Yaw Boateng, President of CAFOG, underscored the significance of the occasion, celebrating a five-year journey to unite over 150 creative associations into a streamlined 17-member governing board.
“Anytime we seek help, we’re told the industry is divided. But today, I can say with confidence—we are no longer divided. We are united under one federation,” he declared.
CAFOG is a legally registered entity under Ghana’s Companies Act and operates across seven domains, each represented on the board by two delegates.
A Structured Approach to Governance
Boateng emphasized that every board member serves as a representative of their respective guilds or associations, ensuring inclusivity and transparency.
He highlighted a strategic shift: “Initially, we tried to unite from the bottom-up, but ego and fragmentation held us back. This time, we started with like-minded leaders.”
Quoting Genesis 11:6, he affirmed: “The people are one, and nothing they plan will be impossible. With one voice, we’re building a structure the government can confidently engage with.”
Each domain now operates its own Domain Committee, composed of leaders from guilds and associations, who elect representatives to the national board—ensuring grassroots representation.
From Vision to Direction
Henry Malm, the Guest of Honour, commended CAFOG’s leadership: “Passion without direction is chaos. Today, I see purpose, structure, and a vision that can transform the industry.”
He noted that CAFOG’s unified platform has the potential to drive job creation, investment, and global recognition for Ghana’s creative sector.
A Hard-Earned Milestone
Other speakers recounted the perseverance and difficult negotiations that brought CAFOG to life. David Dontoh, Vice President of the Federation, reminded all creatives: “If your association isn’t represented yet, join us. There’s room at the table.”
The leaders stressed that the Federation is not about personal gain, but collective progress, service, and legacy.
All registered creative organizations—new or existing—are encouraged to affiliate through their domain committees to ensure full industry representation.
A New Chapter Begins
As the event concluded with applause and optimism, one message was clear: the Federation’s inauguration is not the end, but the beginning of a renewed journey. With its unified structure, CAFOG is ready to influence policy, attract investment, promote creative development, and elevate Ghana’s presence on the global creative stage.
CAFOG Governing Board Members:
- President: Richard Yaw Boateng
- Vice President: David Dontoh
- Secretary General: Lilian Sally Addo
Domain Representatives:
- Film: Bill Asamoah, Kafui Dzivenu
- Music: Bessa Simons, Deborah Freeman (Deputy Secretary General)
- Fashion: Mohammed Munkaila Omar, Joana Eshun Mensah
- Performing Arts: Fred Amugi, George Quaye
- Visual Arts: Prince Kojo-Hilton, Joshua Sena Fianu
- Literary Arts: Raphael Antwi, Michael Kelly Agbesi
- Media: Ameyaw Debrah, Mikki Osei Berko