For decades, Ghana’s movie industry stood proudly as one of the most vibrant and influential in Africa.
From the days of classic productions like Love Brewed in the African Pot to the rise of blockbuster stars like Majid Michel, Jackie Appiah, and Yvonne Nelson, our country was a cultural powerhouse.
But in recent years, the narrative has shifted, with Nollywood gaining prominence, many wonder why the once-thriving Ghanaian film scene has slowed down.
This shouldn’t be a case of Ghanaian producers looking to Nollywood as the gold standard.
In fact, Ghana has a rich history of cinematic excellence that can be reclaimed if the right steps are taken.
The key to this resurgence lies not just in the hands of filmmakers but also in government support, policy backing, and creating the necessary infrastructure for the entertainment industry to thrive.
Why Government Support Matters
In Nigeria, the government has understood the immense potential of its creative industry.
Nollywood isn’t just producing films for entertainment; it’s contributing billions to the economy, creating thousands of jobs, and helping the country project its cultural influence globally.
The Nigerian government has backed this growth by providing funding, infrastructure, and policy support to ensure that the film industry is sustainable.
This is where Ghana is lagging behind. For our film industry to grow and regain its former glory, the government must recognize the entertainment space as a significant economic contributor.
The creative sector, including music and film, has the potential to generate substantial revenue for the country while creating countless jobs.
If Ghana wants to compete on the global stage, we need policy reforms that support filmmakers with funding, infrastructure, and training opportunities.
The Economic Power of the Entertainment Industry
Let’s have a look at the numbers.
In Nigeria, Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world, second only to Bollywood in terms of volume.
It contributes over $600 million annually to the Nigerian economy. Stars like Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde have built global brands, gaining international recognition, and attracting endorsements worth millions.
In Ghana, we have seen similar talent capable of reaching these heights, but without the proper support, the film industry has struggled to maintain momentum.
Imagine the economic potential if the government was to back the entertainment industry with the same commitment and resources as it does for agriculture or infrastructure.
The entertainment space could be a game-changer, providing an alternative stream of revenue and reducing the country’s dependency on traditional sectors like cocoa or mining.
Creating Opportunities Beyond Netflix
Another area where Ghanaian filmmakers need to innovate is distribution.
While Netflix has been a great platform for African cinema, it’s not the only one.
Nollywood has thrived by tapping into multiple platforms, especially YouTube, where filmmakers can directly upload their movies and monetize them through ads.
YouTube is quickly becoming a hotspot for Nigerian films, offering filmmakers a space to reach audiences far beyond Africa and generate income.
Ghanaian filmmakers need to follow this trend.
Relying solely on Netflix limits the potential reach of our films.
By embracing platforms like YouTube, Amazon Prime, and other emerging streaming services, Ghanaian filmmakers can diversify their income streams and reach a much broader audience.
We have the talent, and with the right distribution strategies, we can tell our stories to the world.
Investing in Better Stories
Finally, one of the most crucial factors in making a film industry thrive is storytelling.
Great films start with great stories, and this is where we need to step up. In the past, Ghanaian cinema produced some of the most compelling narratives on the continent.
However, recent productions have sometimes lacked the depth and quality that made earlier films so successful.
Producers need to invest in top-notch screenwriters who understand the power of a well-crafted story.
We must look both inward and outward, learning from the best while remaining true to our unique Ghanaian identity. Storytelling is what connects films to audiences, and we need to make sure our films resonate not only locally but internationally.
A United Push for the Future
The time has come for Ghana to reclaim its place in the world of cinema.
This can only happen if there’s a united push from all corners, thus, filmmakers, the government, and the creative community.
We have the talent, the stories, and the cultural wealth to make our mark, but we need the right infrastructure and support to bring it all together.
The entertainment industry is not just about fame or stardom—it’s about creating a legacy, building an economy, and projecting Ghana to the world.
If we take the right steps now, we can see a future where our films are celebrated not only across Africa but around the globe.
Let’s not just look to Nollywood for inspiration, let’s rise and create a Ghanaian film renaissance that the world will never forget.
The government must play its part and our filmmakers must embrace new opportunities to put Ghana firmly back on the map.
Source: Mary Asiedu