Kojo Antwi is a veteran Ghanaian musician
Ghanaian music legend Kojo Antwi has identified Kwame Nkrumah and John Dramani Mahama as the two Ghanaian leaders who have made the most significant impact on the country’s creative arts industry.
In a recent interview, Kojo Antwi noted that while several administrations have contributed to national development, Nkrumah and Mahama stand out for their deliberate support of the creative sector.
Asked to choose among past presidents, including Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, and Nana Akufo-Addo, the musician said his top pick would be Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
According to Kojo Antwi, Nkrumah’s contribution to the arts went beyond rhetoric.
He cited the establishment of creative infrastructure and institutions during Nkrumah’s era, including film and music studios such as the former Ghana Film Industry Corporation, popularly known as Gamma Films.
I hid in a car boot from Germany to Switzerland – Kojo Antwi recounts
“He built a studio where TV3 is now, Gamma Films. Most of the institutions had music departments. Even Aboso Glass Factory had music,” he said.
The veteran musician further noted that Nkrumah understood the power of music and culture in nation-building.
He recalled that global jazz icon Louis Armstrong visited Ghana during Nkrumah’s tenure, describing it as evidence of the late president’s global cultural vision.
“He knew the motive of music and sound, and he did a whole lot to keep it together,” Kojo Antwi emphasised.
Turning to President Mahama, the highlife star said the former president has shown personal interest in creatives and continues to positively impact the sector.
“After Nkrumah, President Mahama is next. He is touching the lives of creatives. He would do more,” Kojo Antwi said, expressing confidence in Mahama’s continued support for artists.
“He loves artists. He used to come around… and that is part of it,” he added.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Pres. Mahama are two Ghanaian leaders who have made significant impact on the creative arts industry… – Kojo Antwi (Ghanaian Artiste) #StarrChat #StarrFM #GHOneNews #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV #NewsAlert pic.twitter.com/cGHsYzhGp5
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) February 13, 2026
PAH/MA
