Veteran Ghanaian actor and theatre practitioner Daniel Clerk has expressed deep concern over what he describes as a decline in storytelling and passion within the Ghanaian movie industry.
In an interview on Starr 103.5 FM on Wednesday, June 11, Clerk lamented that while the technical quality of films has improved over the years, the heart and soul of storytelling seem to have been lost.
“I would prefer movies from the past to what we see now,” he admitted. “Story-wise, I don’t really see strong narratives these days. And for me, acting has become more about fame. You don’t find people with true passion for the craft anymore.”
Clerk, who has spent decades in both film and theatre, said his candid views are sometimes misunderstood, but he stands by them. “People think I criticize too much, but I can tell. I’ve done theatre, and I’m still in the field, so I know. That’s what I keep telling my friends.”
He believes the new generation of actors often prioritizes celebrity status over the discipline and seriousness the profession demands. “It’s all about ‘I want to make a name,’” he observed. “There’s no real dedication in it for me.”
While acknowledging the improvement in film production technology, Clerk emphasized that these advancements have not necessarily translated into better storytelling or performance.
“Fine, technical aspects have improved. But beyond that—storyline, acting—for me, the old times were better,” he said.
Clerk also reflected on the broader West African film industry, drawing comparisons between Ghanaian and Nigerian productions. “You watch Nigerian films, and you see unexpected twists and creative storytelling,” he said. “But with Ghanaian films, it’s often predictable. I don’t know—there’s a problem.”
