Martha Ankomah, a respected figure in the Ghanaian film industry, has issued a compelling call for unity and mutual support among her colleagues. She argues that the industry’s persistent fragmentation hinders its growth and prevents Ghanaian films from reaching their full potential audience. Ankomah believes that a concerted effort towards collaboration and cross-promotion can liberate the industry from its over-reliance on traditional media, opening up new avenues for expansion and creating a more vibrant and prosperous film landscape. Her plea highlights the significant potential for collective action to revitalize the Ghanaian film sector and propel it towards greater success.
Ankomah’s call for unity stems from her observation of the detrimental effects of division within the industry. She notes a lack of cohesive support for individual projects, hindering their visibility and reach. In contrast, she points to the Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, as a prime example of the power of collaborative spirit. Nollywood’s success, she argues, is largely attributable to the collective promotion and support that practitioners offer each other. This unified approach has enabled Nollywood to establish a global presence and achieve remarkable commercial success. Ankomah believes that by emulating this collaborative model, the Ghanaian film industry can overcome its current challenges and unlock its vast potential.
A key aspect of Ankomah’s proposed solution is leveraging the extensive social media presence of Ghanaian actors. Many actors command substantial followings on various platforms, representing a powerful, yet largely untapped, marketing resource. Ankomah envisions a scenario where actors actively utilize their social media influence to promote each other’s projects, disseminating information about premieres, releases, and other industry events. This organic, peer-to-peer promotion, she argues, can significantly amplify the reach of Ghanaian films, bypassing the limitations and costs associated with traditional media outlets. By harnessing the collective power of their online presence, Ghanaian actors can effectively become ambassadors for their industry, driving audience engagement and fostering a sense of community around their work.
The actress emphasizes the importance of collective action, urging actors to view each other’s successes as a win for the entire industry. She envisions a scenario where the release of a new Ghanaian film becomes a shared event, amplified by the collective voice of the industry. This collaborative spirit, she argues, can create a powerful ripple effect, generating buzz, excitement, and ultimately, a larger audience for Ghanaian films. Ankomah’s vision is not merely about individual projects succeeding, but about creating a thriving ecosystem where every film benefits from the collective support of the industry, fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the sector’s growth.
Furthermore, Ankomah’s call for unity extends beyond mere promotion. She advocates for a deeper sense of collaboration throughout the filmmaking process, encouraging actors to support each other’s projects creatively, logistically, and even financially. This collaborative spirit, she believes, can foster a more nurturing and supportive environment within the industry, enabling filmmakers to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and ultimately produce higher quality films. By sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise, Ghanaian filmmakers can elevate the overall standard of their work and enhance the industry’s reputation both domestically and internationally.
Ultimately, Martha Ankomah’s message is a call for a paradigm shift within the Ghanaian film industry. She urges her colleagues to move beyond individual ambitions and embrace a collective vision for the future of Ghanaian cinema. By uniting their efforts, leveraging their social media influence, and fostering a genuine spirit of collaboration, Ghanaian filmmakers can break down the barriers that have held the industry back. This collective action, Ankomah believes, can pave the way for a new era of growth, innovation, and global recognition for Ghanaian films, realizing the industry’s true potential and solidifying its place on the world stage. Her appeal is a rallying cry for a stronger, more unified, and ultimately, more successful Ghanaian film industry.
