Ghanaian movie producer, Samuel Darko, popularly referred to as Samdarkus, has stated that the new film association in the Ashanti Region is using the name “Kumawood” without his permission.
The new group, called the Kumawood Ashanti Film Association, was recently formed under the leadership of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, to help bring filmmakers in the region together and promote the local film industry.
In an interview on Hitz FM on July 8, 2025, Samdarkus said he was not informed about the formation of the group, but later found out through an interview with Seancity.
“I am not part of it because I didn’t hear about it initially. That was the reason why Seancity came and interviewed me, and later on, I got to know about it,” he said.
He added that even though he wasn’t involved from the beginning, he is now open to joining the association.
“I am ready for it. I am a producer, director, and actor. So, I am fully part of it,” he added.
However, Samdarkus went on to say that he does not support the use of the name “Kumawood” by the association unless there is a proper agreement.
He said he created and registered the name for his own projects.
“I don’t want them to use the name ‘Kumawood.’ We are still talking about it. We haven’t agreed on certain things. I have registered the name to do a lot of things. So, if they want to use the name, at least there has to be a negotiation,” he explained.
When asked if he was seeking money for the name, Samdarkus said he isn’t interested in being paid. He just wants to be acknowledged as the founder.
“I don’t need money, but I need recognition. I just need recognition that I am the founder of the name. That is it. I don’t need money,” he said.
He also mentioned that he met with someone from the Ashanti Regional Minister’s office to discuss the matter.
“I received a representative from the Ashanti Region Minister at my office about two weeks ago, so we are discussing something. It’s not yet concluded, that is why I don’t want to talk about it,” he stated.
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
AK/EB