Entertainment pundit Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has called on stakeholders in Ghana’s creative arts sector to move beyond excitement and critically examine the promises made in the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz on March 1, 2026, Arnold stressed that the essence of a State of the Nation Address is to provide updates on the current state of affairs rather than reiterate campaign-style promises.

“When we say State of the Nation Address, ideally, the president is supposed to give us what is happening currently. Whether social, economical or financial, it should entail what the government is doing now,” he said.

According to him, recent addresses appear to focus heavily on promises and commitments rather than tangible progress.

“Now, it’s more of promises, mixed with commitment, and we need to analyze it critically. The manifesto is full of promises and commitments, so you would expect that SONA will enlighten you from the promises to the ongoing activities,” he explained.

Arnold Baidoo further urged players within the creative arts industry not to celebrate merely being mentioned in the national address.

“As an industry, I think we should move beyond being excited that we’ve been mentioned and analyze it critically,” he stated.

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He, however, acknowledged that the President’s recognition of creative arts and the role of new media in shaping the industry is commendable.

He also described the President’s pledge to act as an ambassador for the sector as a positive move.

“The president mentioned the creative arts in his SONA, the fact that the new media is a new wave that has come, so we should move away from traditional media and embrace the new media. He also talked about the fact that he will be the ambassador, which is brilliant,” he noted.

However, he questioned why stakeholders were overly enthusiastic about fresh mentions in the 2026 SONA when key promises made in the 2025 address remain unfulfilled.

“But it’s clear that the things he mentioned in the SONA 2025 have not been fulfilled. Why are we excited that we’ve been mentioned again in 2026 SONA?” he quizzed.

Arnold Baidoo also raised concerns about the GH¢40 million allocation reportedly earmarked for the creative industry, urging clarity on how the funds will be utilised.

“What exactly is the GH¢40 million allocation to the creative industry intended for? We should do a critical analysis of what the government promises us,” he added.

FG/EB


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