Ghanaian film director and writer Shirley Frimpong Manso has dismissed claims that Ghana’s film industry is dead.
She has insisted that the real issue lies in the lack of local support.
Speaking in an interview with Doreen Avio on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz on June 18, 2025, Shirley highlighted the stark contrast between Ghana’s film industry and Nigeria’s booming Nollywood scene.
“I don’t want to hear that it’s dead, because it’s not. People call it dead because the progress we expected over the years hasn’t happened. But that doesn’t mean there’s no potential,” she said.
According to Shirley, Nigeria’s success story is largely due to intentional investment and infrastructure development.
“Nigerians made a decision to invest in film as an art form that creates jobs, drives business, and makes an impact. They made funding available, built cinemas, and expanded them. That’s why they’re doing better than us,” she said.
She went on to emphasize that Ghana has all the right ingredients for a thriving film industry, adding that the country has talented storytellers, skilled actors, and compelling narratives, but lacks prioritization of the arts.
“We are good storytellers. We have great actors. What’s missing is that we don’t place enough importance on film and the creative arts. That’s where our problem lies,” she stated.
Shirley also narrated how being a Ghanaian filmmaker has opened doors for her internationally, further proving the influence Ghanaian cinema can have beyond its borders.
“A lot of the opportunities I get abroad come simply because I’m a Ghanaian filmmaker. That shows the kind of impact our films can create. The industry isn’t dead, we can do much better,” she maintained.
She concluded by urging both the private sector and the media to play a greater role in pushing the industry forward, noting that the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with the government.
“We’ve produced films that examine critical societal issues. The industry needs everyone; government, private investors. She has asked the media, to recognize its value and offer the support it truly deserves,” she added.
FG/EB
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