Gyankroma Akufo-Addo Denies $25M Painting Contract | Discuss Ghana

On Friday, March 27, 2026, Ms. Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, Director of the Creative Arts Agency and daughter of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, issued a strongly worded statement debunking viral allegations that she received $25 million to paint interchanges across Accra.

The claims, which circulated heavily on social media over the last 48 hours, suggested that the "beautification project" at several major flyovers was a multi-million dollar sole-sourced contract.

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Key Points of the Denial

Ms. Akufo-Addo clarified that the allegations are not only false but "mathematically and logically impossible" given the agency's budget:

No Such Contract: She stated categorically that neither she nor the Creative Arts Agency has signed or received any contract worth $25 million for painting or any other infrastructure project.

Voluntary Initiatives: She noted that recent murals and beautification works seen at the Ako Adjei and Tetteh Quarshie interchanges were largely private-sector collaborations and "beautification drives" aimed at promoting local artists, often funded through sponsorships.

Legal Recourse: Confirming a "zero-tolerance" approach to defamation under the current National Reset of public accountability, she has instructed her legal team to identify and sue the originators of the "malicious" claim.

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Context: The "Interchange Beautification" Backlash

The controversy highlights a sensitive nerve in Ghanaian public discourse regarding government spending and nepotism:

Public Scrutiny: Critics had pointed to the $25 million figure as "extravagant" during a period where the National Reset is focused on cutting waste and finishing stalled roadworks like the Suame Interchange.

The Creative Arts Agency: Under Gyankroma’s leadership, the agency has been active in promoting "Arts in Ghana," but this is the first time it has faced allegations of this financial magnitude.

Political Undertones: With the 2024 elections concluded and the 2026 local government reforms underway, analysts suggest these rumors are part of "political character assassination" targeting the former first family.

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Fact-Check: Interchanges in Accra (March 2026)

Interchange	Recent Status	Artist Involvement
Ako Adjei	Completed Mural Works.	Local Ghanaian Street Artists.
Tetteh Quarshie	Landscape & Lighting Reset.	Private PPP Sponsorship.
Asokwa (Kumasi)	Under Inspection (Minister Amoakohene).	Government Infrastructure Budget.

"These are baseless lies calculated to tarnish my image and the hard work of the Creative Arts Agency. We will meet in court." — Ms. Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, March 27, 2026.