Arnold Asamoah Baidoo, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Abeiku Santana
Entertainment journalist, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, has criticised broadcaster, Abeiku Santana, for questioning the importance of a state-supported streaming platform for musicians.
Abeiku Santana, during a meeting with former President John Dramani Mahama, endorsed the introduction of a pay-per-view service for creatives, but expressed skepticism about the government partnering with the private sector to launch a streaming platform.
He argued that even Nigeria, with its vast population, lacks a state-sponsored streaming service, making such a project unrealistic for Ghana.
He also likened the initiative to other failed tech projects, such as some apps introduced under Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s administration, calling for caution from the creative community.
Reacting to Abeiku Santana’s remarks, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo said he was taken aback by his colleague’s position, especially in an era where streaming platforms are vital to the survival of the creative industry.
“Empress, I am surprised that Santana, with his pedigree, would question the relevance of a streaming platform in this time and age,” Arnold stated.
“How does someone of his repute and understanding question the necessity of a streaming platform? He even called it a lie. Where are the lies that surround the streaming platform?” he asked.
Arnold stressed that streaming services have become an indispensable part of the global creative economy, providing artistes with a critical avenue for revenue generation and audience engagement.
He expressed disappointment that such a forward-looking initiative could be met with skepticism from someone as influential as Abeiku Santana.
The exchange has sparked discussions within Ghana’s creative industry, with stakeholders divided over the feasibility and potential impact of the proposed streaming platform.
