Creativity is Intelligence - Nana Otu Gyandoh Speaks on Penpensiwa

Nana Otu Gyandoh, Programmes Manager and Head of Engineering at Asaase Broadcasting Company Ltd, has dismissed the notion that creatives are not intellectuals. Speaking on Penpensiwa with Obomengniibaa Nana Akua, he addressed the general misconception that people in the creative industry are seen as individuals who failed to excel in life.

“People normally think that when we call someone a creative we assume they are not intellectuals or that they failed in life,” he said.

He made reference to his daughter, who has an interest in the creative space, stating, “My daughter likes the creative space, so I have groomed her and I will make sure she attends a creative school whether in Ghana or outside.”

The Representation of Africa in Color

He pointed out that whenever Africa is represented in colors internationally, it is often depicted in shades like tawny brown, coffee, light brown, and Candice.

"Anytime they make mention of Africa in colors intentionally, Africa is often represented in colors such as tawny brown, coffee, light brown, and Candice, all in that shade range," he said.

He further highlighted the design of Asaase Radio and AsaasePa’s studio, emphasizing how creative minds brought it to life.

"The effect of this studio on us is due to other people's creative thoughts coming to fruition to impact lives," he stated.

The Misconception About Creatives

Nana Otu Gyandoh noted that in Ghana, creatives are often mocked with the slang cini cini, a short form of “cinema,” used to describe them as unserious people who only entertain.

"It is hurtful when people think creatives are not intellectuals," he remarked.

He explained that Asaase Radio and AsaasePa are not just ordinary stations but Neo Pan African platforms driven by creative minds.

"AsaasePa represents a Neo Pan African station, and this is part of creative work," he emphasized.

Creativity and Leadership

He also pointed out that some of the world’s most notable leaders have had backgrounds in creativity.

"The best leaders in history have been creative people. Even American president Donald Trump came from a showbiz place. Trump became Trump because of his business program The Apprentice," he stated.

He continued, “The greatest Republican before Trump was an actor called Ronald Reagan. Zelenskyy, who is fighting the biggest army in the world right now apart from the USA, which is Russia, is a comedian.”

To further emphasize the value of creativity, Nana Otu Gyandoh referenced Ghanaian comedian Kwame Dzokoto, whose videos continue to trend on TikTok even after 12 years.

"Kwame Dzokoto’s videos are still trending after 12 years on TikTok. That tells you something about the power of creativity," he said.

The Power of Creative Thought

He returned to the importance of creative minds shaping the world around us, referencing Asaase Radio and AsaasePa’s studio as a prime example of creative ideas brought to life.

"The effect of this studio on us is due to other people's creative thoughts coming to fruition to impact lives," he reiterated.

He concluded by urging people to appreciate the depth of thought that goes into creative work.

"People should be patient and think deeply because it takes a lot of wisdom to be a creative."

Penpensiwa airs every Saturday on AsaasePa 107.3.