Socrate Safo and Deyemi Okanlawon Demand Systemic Change and Professionalism in West African Creative Industries

High-profile figures in the West African creative industry are sounding the alarm over systemic failures and leadership gaps that continue to stifle the sector's potential. Veteran Ghanaian filmmaker Socrate Safo and Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon have both issued poignant critiques regarding the current state of the arts in their respective countries. While Safo focuses on the inertia of government-appointed officials in Ghana, Okanlawon highlights a troubling culture in Nigeria where mediocrity is often rewarded over professional excellence. Together, their voices paint a picture of an industry struggling to transition from raw talent to a sustainable, professionally managed economic powerhouse.

In Ghana, Socrate Safo has directed a sharp open letter toward government-appointed creatives, accusing them of engaging in endless dialogue without delivering tangible results. Safo argues that the creative industry has "shouted long enough" about well-known hurdles such as inadequate funding, poor copyright enforcement, and rampant piracy. He specifically called on leaders, including Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie, to transition from identifying problems to implementing proactive solutions. According to Safo, the failure of leadership to act decisively is costing the nation significant opportunities for employment and national development that a thriving creative sector could provide.

Across the border, Nollywood star Deyemi Okanlawon offered a similarly bleak assessment of the professional landscape in Nigeria during an appearance on the 'Dear Ife' podcast. Okanlawon suggested that Nigerian society often favors mediocrity, making it difficult for high-level professionals to find success without 'downplaying' their intellect. He warned that 'too much professionalism' can actually become a hindrance in an environment where seriousness is not always rewarded. His remarks underscore a cultural challenge where the standards for excellence are being eroded by a system that prioritizes quick wins over disciplined, professional craft.

These critiques from Safo and Okanlawon highlight a shared sentiment across the West African creative landscape: the need for a radical shift in both governance and professional standards. For the industry to reach its full potential, there must be a move toward visionary leadership that acts on long-standing grievances and a societal shift that values and protects professional rigor. As both Ghana and Nigeria look to the creative arts as a key driver of the 'orange economy,' addressing these internal frustrations will be essential for creating a stable environment where artists can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the regional GDP.