Grace Omaboe, widely known as Maame Dokono, is a well-known actress and media personality in Ghana. She has shared her worries about the current situation in Ghanaian cinema, saying that modern films do not offer the important life lessons that viewers could learn from.
She said that her main reason for watching movies these days is just for fun.
In an interview with Asaase Radio on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Maame Dokono noted, “I look at the movie industry and I laugh in my head because I don’t see much lessons in what they are doing these days.”
She thought back to earlier times and said, “during our time, we were not many, just a few of us. When a father, should play a father role, he’s an old man, an elderly man; he’s not made up with moustache and all that, powder and all that.”
The movie star expressed her unhappiness about a specific moment when Ghanaian comedian and actor Kwadwo Nkansah, known as Lil Win, was chosen to play her husband.
“I remember one time they asked me to come and do a Kumawood movie and somebody was supposed to play my husband. I said, ah, how can a small boy like this play my husband?”
“You know, maybe I should mention the name, Lil Win. Yes, playing my husband. No, it can’t happen. I will not play [that role] because what at all is he going to tell me?”
“So I didn’t play the role and they got angry with me, ” she recounted.
The star of ‘By The Fire Side’ mentioned how much social media affects modern acting methods, saying., “When I observe social media, I often wonder what is happening; it feels almost like a joke.”
Grace Omaboe pointed out the problems producers face when they hire inexperienced actors who accept lower pay because there are not many roles available. Many individuals feel forced to exit their jobs, making way for younger workers, which she thinks harms the industry.
She believes that Nigerians are paid well. “The Nigerians are paid well. So if you see a Nigerian who will go further his course and come and play that role, you know that he’s being paid well…”
