The Ghanaian movie industry, once a vibrant and influential force, currently finds itself in a state of decline, struggling to recapture its former glory. Isaac Kofi Dzokpo, known professionally as Hon Ike, a prominent figure in the Ghanaian comedy scene, has issued a passionate call to action, urging the government and relevant stakeholders to implement measures to revitalize this crucial sector. He argues that the industry, currently a “sleeping giant,” possesses immense untapped potential to generate employment, alleviate poverty, and showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage. Dzokpo emphasizes the industry’s capacity as a “job machine,” highlighting the numerous roles involved in filmmaking, from scriptwriting and cinematography to costume design and marketing, all of which contribute to livelihoods and economic activity. He believes that with strategic investment and support, the film industry could become a major engine for economic growth and social development in Ghana.
Dzokpo draws inspiration from the remarkable success of Nigeria’s Nollywood, now the second-largest film industry globally, employing over a million people and contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy. He points to South Africa as another example of a nation that has effectively leveraged its film industry for economic and cultural advancement. He argues that Ghana, with its wealth of creative talent and diverse cultural landscape, has the potential to replicate these achievements by implementing appropriate policies and structures. He stresses the importance of supporting existing industry players who are working tirelessly to sustain and grow the sector despite the numerous challenges they face. Dzokpo believes that building on the foundation of existing talent and infrastructure is crucial to the industry’s resurgence.
Hon Ike proposes a five-pillar framework for revitalizing the Ghanaian movie industry. The first pillar focuses on providing funding and grants to empower local filmmakers, enabling them to produce high-quality films and compete on both local and international platforms. The second pillar emphasizes the establishment of specialized training schools to cultivate the next generation of technical and creative professionals. This will ensure a continuous supply of skilled individuals to drive the industry forward. The third pillar addresses the critical issue of distribution, advocating for the strengthening of existing channels and the exploration of new avenues to expand the reach of Ghanaian films both domestically and globally. This broadened reach will expose Ghanaian cinema to wider audiences and contribute to revenue growth.
The fourth pillar underscores the importance of building global partnerships with foreign producers. Such collaborations would not only facilitate access to international markets but also facilitate knowledge transfer and enhance the technical and artistic standards of Ghanaian filmmaking. By learning from experienced international partners, Ghanaian filmmakers can elevate their craft and produce films that meet global quality standards. The fifth pillar emphasizes leveraging the power of digital platforms. In today’s digital age, online streaming services and other digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities to reach new markets and generate revenue streams. By embracing these technologies, the Ghanaian movie industry can tap into a global audience and unlock new avenues for growth.
Beyond these five pillars, Hon Ike advocates for supportive government policies that create a conducive environment for the industry to flourish. He calls for tax incentives to attract investment, bold policy reforms to streamline regulations and remove bureaucratic hurdles, and partnerships with private investors to inject capital and expertise into the sector. He argues that these measures are essential for creating a fertile ground for the industry to thrive. He envisions a future where the Ghanaian movie industry not only serves as a source of economic prosperity but also becomes a cultural legacy that is cherished and protected for generations to come.
In essence, Hon Ike’s call to action is a plea for a collective effort to revive the Ghanaian movie industry. He believes that through strategic investment, targeted support, and effective policy interventions, the industry can be transformed into a powerful engine for job creation, economic growth, and cultural preservation. He emphasizes that the success of this endeavor requires collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and private investors, all working together to unlock the immense potential of Ghana’s “sleeping giant” – its movie industry. He envisions a future where Ghanaian cinema shines on the global stage, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage and contributing significantly to its economic prosperity.
