Socrates Sarfo, a prominent figure in Ghana’s creative arts scene, has criticized his political party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for neglecting the creative community within its ranks while in government.
Speaking on Okay FM’s entertainment program monitored by Kumasimail, Sarfo expressed his frustration over the lack of recognition and opportunities afforded to creatives in the NPP compared to their counterparts in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Sarfo did not mince words as he admitted feeling envious of the NDC’s approach to integrating creatives into key government positions.
“I am jealous of my colleagues in the NDC. If you look at the leverage they are given in this government, I confess I am jealous,” he said.
He praised the NDC for respecting the intellectual contributions of creatives, highlighting appointments such as that of Kalsoume Sinare, which he described as a “50 plus” for the nation.
Reflecting on the NDC’s treatment of well-known creative personalities like Rex Omar, KOD, and Abeiku Santana, Sarfo lamented the party’s failure to acknowledge their wisdom and contributions.
“Didn’t we have such people in the NPP? What did they do for us? You go and they look at you as if you don’t have wisdom,” he stated emphatically.
Sarfo emphasized that creativity requires intelligence and problem-solving skills, qualities essential for governance.
“So, when I have wisdom, intelligence, and the brains to put pen to paper and write something that makes people watch and cry, are you more intelligent than me? You, who go and read people’s accounts or quotes, are you more intelligent than me?,” he rhetorically asked.
“Governance is about challenges and how you think to bring solutions. When the NPP started thinking like that…,” he trailed off, indicating a disconnect in the party’s approach.
“When asked if the lack of appointments was due to creatives in the NPP who supported the party’s campaigns not availing themselves for appointments, Sarfo responded sharply, “We did. We did whatever we needed to do, what!”
He also addressed the role of “godfatherism” in politics, acknowledging its existence but urging the party to value wisdom and talent over political patronage or degree qualifications.
“Godfatherhood is part of politics, I understand. But the party must believe and understand that at this point, we need certain people. If the party’s subculture doesn’t believe in wisdom but only academic credentials, that’s the problem,” he explained.
Sarfo further argued that even without formal degrees, creative individuals can effectively serve in presidential appointments, citing legal provisions that allow appointees to act in office for four years.
“So, does the NPP not have the brains to understand this?” he questioned.
By: Kwadwo Owusu
