Film producer Socrate Safo has publicly condemned what he calls “petty partisan politics” that undermine Ghana’s creative industry whenever a new government takes office. He said that each change of administration has led to the abandonment of good initiatives simply because they were launched by the previous ruling party.
Safo’s remarks come amid heated debate over the Black Star Experience, a year‑long cultural and tourism brand launched in May 2025. Coordinator Rex Omar has defended the programme as a continuation of the Year of Return, arguing that it is a 365‑day “way of life” rather than a one‑off event. Safo counters that abandoning earlier initiatives like Year of Return and Beyond the Return would erase gains made in raising Ghana’s global profile and deepening ties with the African diaspora.
In a Graphic Showbiz interview on Tuesday, September 22, Safo stressed the need for stability and continuity in the sector. “Ghana’s creative industry cannot thrive if every change of government becomes an excuse to abandon existing initiatives, dismantle established structures and discredit the achievements of political predecessors,” he said. He added that initiatives should be assessed for their impact and improved, not dismissed because of their political origins.
Safo highlighted the successes of Beyond the Return, noting that it elevated Ghana’s international profile, strengthened diaspora engagement and generated global interest. He urged the government to demonstrate tangible results from the Black Star Experience while preserving and enhancing programmes that have already delivered value.
He concluded that the creative industry deserves leadership, continuity, accountability and a shared commitment to national development, not petty partisan politics. The comments have reignited discussion on how Ghana’s diaspora‑focused initiatives should be managed across political cycles.
