Renowned Ghanaian Actress, TV presenter, and entrepreneur, Beverly Afaglo Baah, has voiced her concerns over the deteriorating state of the country’s movie industry. The Ghanaian film landscape, which has witnessed minimal revitalization efforts over the years, has been plagued by challenges leading many industry professionals to seek alternative sources of income. Afaglo Baah joins the chorus of artists who have criticized the industry’s downfall, highlighting the seemingly distant prospect of recovery.
Addressing the issue on UTV’s Showbiz Night, Beverly Afaglo Baah expressed her distress at the industry’s decline, attributing it to a combination of factors. Notably, she pointed out the lack of funding and the unavailability of essential resources as major contributors to the industry’s inertia. In addition, she shed light on the predicament faced by private individuals who invest in content production but fail to realize sustainable returns in the long run, further compounding the concerns.
“We were holding onto hope, thinking it will bounce back, but it seems far-fetched. Truth be told, the industry is dead,” lamented Afaglo Baah. She continued, “I was having a conversation with one of my colleagues about the industry, but in conclusion, we realized there is absolutely nothing happening towards reviving the industry. It is pretty worrying.”
While the decline in the Ghanaian movie industry is a shared concern among artists, Afaglo Baah acknowledged that efforts have been made to salvage it. She acknowledged the role of Akwaaba Magic, a content production platform available on DSTV, which has recently managed to produce content by collaborating with established producers such as Shirley Frimpong Manso, Ivan Quarshigah, and Smartys Productions. However, even with such initiatives in place, the industry’s revival remains an elusive goal.
Beverly Afaglo Baah also highlighted the unfortunate reality where many actors-turned-producers are unable to recoup their investments in production. This financial struggle adds to the challenges faced by those who seek to contribute to the industry’s resurgence. Despite their best efforts, the absence of a viable support system and favorable economic conditions continues to impede progress.
The concerns raised by Beverly Afaglo Baah resonate with numerous stakeholders in the Ghanaian film industry. The dwindling state of the industry, coupled with the lack of financial backing and inadequate resources, poses a formidable obstacle to its revival. As the debate surrounding the industry’s decline gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether concerted efforts will be made to address the challenges and breathe new life into Ghana’s cinematic landscape.
