Legendary Ghanaian musician Kojo Antwi has praised the efforts of Kwame Nkrumah and John Dramani Mahama for their contributions to Ghana’s creative arts sector. In a recent interview, the veteran singer, affectionately known as Mr Loverman of Africa, highlighted how both leaders played key roles in promoting and supporting the arts during their respective periods of influence.
Kojo Antwi reflected on the legacy of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, noting that Nkrumah recognised the power of culture and the arts in shaping national identity. According to Antwi, Nkrumah’s administration invested in cultural institutions and creative expression as a means of unifying the nation shortly after independence. Antwi said that this early commitment helped lay a foundation for Ghana’s rich artistic heritage and provided opportunities for artists to flourish across various disciplines.
Turning to former President John Dramani Mahama, Antwi pointed out that Mahama also showed strong support for creative industries during his time in office. He praised initiatives and policies under Mahama’s leadership that aimed to uplift artists, strengthen cultural festivals and create platforms for local talent to gain broader recognition. Antwi said that such backing was critical for Ghana’s arts community, especially in an era where African creatives are gaining increasing visibility on the global stage.
While acknowledging the challenges that Ghana’s creative sector continues to face, the musician emphasised that support from political leadership is essential for sustained growth. He argued that when government leaders recognise and invest in the cultural sector, it not only benefits artists but also contributes to national development and international cultural exchange.
Kojo Antwi also shared reflections on his own journey as an artist, describing how shifts in policy and public support over the decades have shaped his career and the experiences of many of his contemporaries. He urged current and future leaders to continue building on the efforts of their predecessors by creating more opportunities for creative practitioners.
The celebrated singer concluded by expressing gratitude for the attention given to the arts by Nkrumah and Mahama, saying it helped elevate Ghana’s cultural voice at home and abroad.
