A group, calling itself Creative Arts for Change, has pledged its unflinching support for the Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo. The group, made up of musicians, producers, actors, writers and other professionals in the creative arts industry declared their support for the opposition leader during a courtesy call on him at his Nima residence Monday. The meeting was attended by several personalities from the creative industry including renowned hi-life musician, Kwabena Kwabena; movie producer and Public Relations Officer of the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), Socrate Sarfo; music producer, Mark Okraku Mantey; Fredyma, a sound engineer and music producer; actresses, Vivian Jill Lawrence; Mercy Asiedu; Auntie B. of Efiewura fame; Katawere; Bill Asamoah; C-Zar; Naa Agyeman and many others. The leader of the group, Mark Okraku Mantey, who spoke on their behalf, said “Nana you had very good plans for the music and film industry in 2008. We hoped for an NPP victory in that election so you could implement those good plans you had for us, but could not happen. We know that God’s time is the best. “These policies you articulated in 2008 are still fresh in our minds and we have come here in our numbers this morning to assure you of our unflinching support for your campaign and, God willing, a victory in December.’’ Mark Okraku Mantey mentioned to the NPP presidential candidate that “some of the people that were with us in 2008 are not here with us today, but we want to let you know that we continue to believe in your policies and good plans that you have for the Ghanaian people.’’ On his part, Nana Akufo-Addo thanked the group for “this generous gesture. I am happy that my policies for the industry have resonated well with you, for which reason you have decided to endorse my candidature.’’ Nana Addo added that “the policies that I have outlined for your industry remains unchanged and on the 14th of November in Kumasi I will be addressing a forum on Arts and Culture where I will outline, one more time, my vision and plans for the Creative Industry.” On the importance of the creative industry Nana Akufo-Addo said “if managed properly, your industry is one that can generate a lot of revenue for the economy and also bring prosperity to those in the industry. “As Attorney General I worked directly with MUSIGA to ensure that your intellectual property is protected because that is the only way we can guarantee the industry and its growth and ensure that you will be the biggest beneficiary of your own intellectual property.”]]>