Ghana seeks supports of Nigerian filmmakers

• The Ghanaian government is promoting a strategic campaign and collaboration with Nigerian filmmakers to film and collaborate with their Ghanaian counterpart.

• Ghanaian Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, and National Film Authority of Ghana Chief Executive Officer, Juliet Yaa Asantewa, announced this during the 2024 Nigerian International Film & TV Summit.

• Hon. Mercer commended the summit organizers for their years of resilience and steadfastness.

The government of Ghana is actively seeking to attract Nigerian filmmakers to collaborate and produce films alongside their Ghanaian counterparts through a deliberate and strategic initiative.

This initiative was highlighted during the 2024 Nigerian International Film & TV Summit by Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Ghanaian Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, along with Juliet Yaa Asantewa, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority of Ghana.

Minister Mercer commended the summit’s organizers for their unwavering commitment and perseverance over the years.

He conveyed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend the event and to share Ghana’s insights regarding the film industry with Nigerian participants, emphasizing the need for a strong partnership between the two nations to enhance the film sectors in both Ghana and Nigeria.

Mercer noted that the convergence of prominent figures from the global film industry in Nigeria serves as a powerful reflection of the vibrant creative energy present across the African continent.

He strongly supports the idea of a collaborative effort between Nigeria and Ghana to advance the film and television industries, which he believes is essential for driving economic development, generating employment opportunities, and promoting cultural exchange, a sentiment that he believes is of utmost importance.

In his words, “To fully realise this potential, we must embrace collaboration across our borders. Ghana and Nigeria share a long history of cultural exchange, and our film industries have been intertwined for decades. Many Ghanaian actors have found fame in Nollywood, and vice versa, highlighting the seamless synergy between our two industries. This collaboration must not only continue but also deepen. By working together, we can pool our resources, share our expertise, and collectively push the boundaries of African cinema. For our industries to thrive, we must invest in talent development and infrastructure. The young, creative minds that drive our film and TV sectors need access to quality training, mentorship, and opportunities. Our governments, in partnership with the private sector, must prioritise the establishment of film schools, production studios, and distribution networks that can support the full value chain of film production and distribution. Furthermore, we must create environments that are conducive for filmmaking; environments where creativity is nurtured, where intellectual property is protected, and where filmmakers can access the financial resources they need to bring their visions to life.”

Speaking further, he said, “Today, we convene not just as representatives of our individual nations but as custodians of a shared cultural heritage, a heritage that has the power to transcend borders, influence global narratives, and foster unity across our great continent. African cinema has come a long way, evolving from local storytelling traditions to becoming a force on the global stage. Our stories are now being told not just in our languages, but in the universal language of film—a language that is understood and appreciated by people from all walks of life. Nigerian cinema, popularly known as Nollywood, has led this charge with its prolific output, creativity, and resilience, making it the second-largest film industry in the world.”

Continuing he said: “This summit is not just about celebrating past achievements, it is about charting the course for the future. It is about leveraging the power of film and television to reshape the narrative of Africa—to tell our own stories, in our own voices, and to present to the world the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and experiences that define us.”