Three members of the Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA), have responded to a petition demanding cessation of the appointments of two new officials to the National Film Authority.

The three, Dr. Jim Fara Awindor, George Bosompim and Professor Linus Abraham, whose names are listed in the petition as qualified candidates for the positions, have dissociated themselves from the cause.

According to a statement released to myjoyonline.com, these astute stakeholders of the film industry, are not privy to any discussion regarding the petition. 

They describe the said petition being signed by some industry people as “mischievous” and “scandalous”. 

Earlier in the day, Association of Ghanaian Creatives, a group of arts stakeholders, sent out a change.org link petitioning President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the appointments of Kafui Danku and James Gardiner to the National Film Authority.

This comes a few days after Kafui Danku was appointed at the Executive Secretary of the NFA, with James Gardiner as her Deputy. 

According to them, Kafui and James lack the competence to handle those positions. 

“We, the undersigned members of the Association of Ghanaian Creatives, urge the government to appoint qualified, visionary leadership at the NFA. The institution must be helmed by a technocrat with deep industry knowledge, supported by a board of experienced creative professionals who can steer the sector toward revitalization and global competitiveness,” the petition states.

They have therefore suggested the following film professionals to be given the positions: George Bosompin (National Film Institute, GAFTA), Jim Awindor (Film and television strategist), Akofa Edjeani Asiedu (veteran filmmaker and policy maker), Professor Linus Abraham (Media and communication expert), Akosua Abdallah (Film education and policy expert) and Ms. Nicole Amarteifio (Pioneering filmmaker and industry advocate)

Read GAFTA's statement signed by Dr. Jim Awindor below:

GHANA ACADEMY OF FILM AND TELEVISION ARTS (GAFTA). 

Our attention has been drawn to a petition circulating on our platform and elsewhere for the removal of two recently appointed Executives of the NFA. 

Three names appearing on the list GEORGE BOSOMPIM, JIM AWINDOR and LINUS ABRAHAM belong to GAFTA are not privy to such a petition. The members are not aware of such a petition, never discussed nor signed it. 

To us, this is mischievous and scandalous. We are disassociating ourselves from the said petition, and petition does not represent our opinion. 

Signed 

President of GAFTA DR. JIM FARA AWINDOR