Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah has called for a broader approach to reviving Ghana’s struggling film industry. She points to Nigeria’s Nollywood as proof that a thriving sector depends on more than the people seen on screen.
Beyond the spotlight
The award-winning actress argues that Ghanaian cinema cannot rebuild by focusing on performers alone. In her view, the industry needs a wider ecosystem of jobs and professional roles behind the camera. She says Nollywood shows how this can work, because its productions create openings for many kinds of film workers, not just actors.
Appiah has worked on Nigerian film projects herself, and she drew on that experience to describe the range of opportunities available to crew and other professionals in Nollywood. Her remarks suggest that a deep bench of skilled people behind the scenes is part of what keeps Nigeria’s industry productive and sustainable.
An honest assessment of Ghana’s output
Appiah did not play down the current state of affairs at home. She acknowledged that Ghana no longer turns out films at the pace it once did, and she described the old momentum as having faded. She also saw reasons for cautious optimism, saying production is gradually picking up again.
She voiced hope that more producers and investors will step in and help the sector grow. Her comments suggest that funding and commitment from backers will be as important as creative talent if Ghanaian cinema is to regain its footing.
A wider conversation about the sector’s future
Her remarks come amid continuing debate in Ghana over falling film output and the limited prospects for industry professionals. Many of those workers are not actors but people whose skills are essential to getting a film made.
By citing Nollywood, Appiah is adding to a familiar comparison between the two West African industries. Nollywood is widely regarded as one of the most prolific film industries in the world, and its growing reach abroad has drawn attention to what African storytelling can achieve. Appiah’s message is that Ghana can learn from that model by investing in the full chain of film production rather than concentrating on star power.
What it could mean for Ghanaian cinema
Appiah’s position is that training, employment and investment across the production process could help Ghana rebuild. She did not outline a specific policy plan in the remarks reported. But her comments reflect a view shared by many in the creative sector: sustainable growth requires a coordinated effort involving producers, financiers and skilled professionals in every department.
Whether investors respond remains to be seen. For now, Appiah’s observations offer a candid snapshot of where Ghana’s film sector stands. Output is lower than in its heyday, but there are early signs of recovery, and Nollywood is seen as a useful reference point for the way forward.
Source: Nkonkonsa.com
