The Chief Executive Officer of the Creative Arts Agency, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, has refuted claims on social media purporting that she had received payment of $25 million to paint parts of Accra.
A statement released yesterday by Ms. Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, who is the President’s daughter, described such allegations as completely false, and so should be disregarded.
“In August 2018, Art for All was conceived. Its purpose was to beautify our capital city of Accra, to give a platform to our Ghanaian artists, to build art appreciation for its audience, and to serve as beautiful backdrops for videos, or photoshoots and be a tourist attraction.
“Each site had a six-week workshop process to identify themes, locations, and artists. Each site was paid for with funds largely from the private sector, sourced solely by the Creative Arts Agency. No contract to paint a succession of bridges or underpasses has either been conceived, has ever been offered, or has ever been accepted. Indeed, any tender or contract awarded for such a project would have been made public,” portions of the statement read.
Clarification
She emphasised that these projects were solely conceived, managed, and financially undertaken by the Creative Arts Agency, through its own fundraising activities.
“Site 1, Ako Adjei, was funded by the private sector. Site 2, Tetteh Quarshie, was paid for by myself, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo. Site 3, was completed through the generosity of the creatively minded Ben Asante, CEO of Ghana Gas, understanding its social community importance,” she stated.
She further explained that the projects were privately conceived and funded, contrary to claims being speculated. She said this project was not embarked upon to make profit, and there had been no lucrative contracts awarded for it
She blamed some “shameless persons” for being behind the speculation. She reiterated that it is a complete fabrication being propagated by some shameless persons, saying that, unfortunately, had been published by sections of the media
“For the avoidance of any doubt, it is important to state that these projects were solely conceived, managed, and financially undertaken by The Creative Arts Agency, through its own fundraising activities,” she clarified.
“I have instructed my lawyer to seek redress in the law courts against persons and media houses that published these falsehoods with the sole intention of destroying my reputation,” she said.
