Renowned Ghanaian actress and film expert, Dr. Akosua Abdallah, has publicly distanced herself from a petition calling for the revocation of two recent appointments to the National Film Authority (NFA). The actress and policy advocate made it clear that she was not involved in the petition, which has stirred considerable debate in the arts community.
In a statement released on March 2, 2025, Dr. Abdallah confirmed that she had no association with the petition that urges President John Dramani Mahama to annul the recent appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the NFA. Danku was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the NFA, with Gardiner serving as her Deputy.
The petition, launched by the Association of Ghanaian Creatives, a collective of arts professionals, criticizes the appointments, suggesting that Danku and Gardiner lack the qualifications and experience required for their new roles. Instead, the petitioners have proposed an alternative slate of candidates, including prominent figures such as George Bosompim (National Film Institute, GAFTA), Dr. Jim Fara Awindor (film and television strategist), Akofa Edjeani Asiedu (veteran filmmaker and policymaker), Professor Linus Abraham (media and communication expert), Dr. Akosua Abdallah (film education and policy expert), and Ms. Nicole Amarteifio (pioneering filmmaker and industry advocate).
In the wake of the petition, three of the listed individuals—Dr. Jim Fara Awindor, George Bosompim, and Professor Linus Abraham—have publicly stated that they were unaware of the petition and were not involved in any discussions regarding its creation.
Dr. Abdallah becomes the fourth individual to publicly distance herself from the petition, further complicating the controversy surrounding the NFA appointments.
Read her statement below:
DISCLAIMER: MY NON-INVOLVEMENT IN PETITION REGARDING NFA APPOINTMENTS
My attention has been drawn to a petition circulating in the public domain regarding the recent appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the National Film Authority (NFA), which regrettably bears my name.
I wish to categorically state that I have no knowledge of this petition, nor was I consulted or involved in its initiation, drafting, or circulation.
As a cultural and theatre expert, and in my capacity as the Head of the Ghana Chapter of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), my focus remains on promoting collaboration, capacity-building, and artistic excellence within the creative sector. I maintain a neutral and professional stance on matters of governance and appointments within state institutions.
At this stage of my career, I am not engaged in public or civil service, making any association of my name with this petition entirely unwarranted. Any inclusion of my name is without my consent and does not reflect my views.
Signed,
Akosua Abdallah (PhD)
Head, Ghana Chapter
International Theatre Institute (ITI)
