Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Fiifi Coleman has refuted claims that persistent power outages, popularly known as dumsor, were the main factor behind the decline of Ghana’s movie industry, particularly the once-thriving Kumawood sector.
Speaking on Onua Showbiz with Naana Kwame Gyan, Coleman argued that the industry’s challenges stem from deeper issues beyond electricity shortages.
Coleman emphasized that film sets had long relied on standby generators even before dumsor became a widespread problem.
“Way back, even before dumsor, there were always generators on standby on sets, so I don’t know why or how my colleagues in Kumawood are tying dumsor to the decline of the industry,” he stated.
His comments challenge the widely held belief that erratic power supply was the primary cause of the industry’s struggles.
The filmmaker acknowledged the pivotal role Kumasi played in Ghana’s film industry, describing it as the hub of movie production and a major source of entertainment.
However, he noted that the industry’s decline was partly due to creative stagnation.
“A time came when it was the same old storylines, and people became fed up with it,” he explained.
Coleman suggested that the repetitive nature of Kumawood movies, coupled with a lack of innovation, led to a loss of audience interest over time.
While dumsor may have posed logistical challenges, Coleman’s remarks highlight the need for the industry to address underlying issues such as storytelling quality and creativity. His insights call for a renewed focus on originality and innovation to revive Ghana’s film industry and restore its position as a leading source of entertainment in Africa.
