Mr. Galle Winston Kofi Dawson, an artist in the traditional arts industry has attributed the collapse of the fine arts industry to the inability of the National Commission on Culture (NCC) to assist artists.

He said "The National Commission on Culture is not helping the art industry; this has resulted in its collapse".

Mr. Dawson who is himself an artist with over twenty-five years experience told The Mail that "Some people and organizations in the industry like Professor Glover, the Nubuke Foundation and the Foundation for Contemporary Arts (FCA) have built modern art galleries as a means of saving the industry."

Mr. Michael Attikpoe, a Director at the NCC told The Mail that "It is not true that the traditional art industry is dying, our interaction with them is not on the basis of giving them funds directly."

On the other hand, he said "The traditional art industry is one of the informal sectors that is keeping Ghana's economy going."

He explained: "We have been running an over E 2 million European Union (EU) sponsored programme called the Cultural Initiative Support Program (CISP) which has been operational for the past 2-3 years for those in the industry."

Mr. Attikpoe said "Under the CISP which we are the implementing agency, individuals and other creative workers are encouraged to apply for funding. Over fifty craftsmen and others in the field have benefited ...it is not true that the Commission is not doing anything to help."

He said "Apart from this programme, two workshops have been held for those in the craft industry, of course the programme cannot cover everybody, it is a process."

The National Commission on Culture was established in 1990 by a Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) Law 238 to manage from a holistic perspective, the cultural activities, both contemporary and traditional, of the country.

The Commission, among other objectives is expected to promote the evolution of an integrated National Culture, supervise the implementation of programmes for the preservation, promotion and representation of Ghana's traditions and values.

In many African traditions, including Ghana, Art objects were designed among others to enhance sacred rituals, provide a vital link to ancestors and spirits, and to maintain a sense of cultural identity for members of the society.

That is not to say that decorative art, objects designed for their inherent beauty, are not a significant part of Ghanaian life. The traditional role of the arts in society is to serve in a capacity beyond mere appearance. Carvers, painters, sculptors, and weavers serve a vital role in preserving customs and providing a historical reference point for future members of society.

The NPP government bequeathed the Arts with a one million dollar grant, but it never saw the light of day as the government did not fully integrate arts and culture in its overall national renewal strategies. By the time the NPP left office, the National Commission on Culture had been reduced to an ineffectual talk shop, to be further humiliated when a Ministry of Culture and Chieftaincy was established to eclipse it. The Chairman of the Commission has ministerial status, which is yet to be filled by the Mills administration.