In a bold and strategic move aimed at rejuvenating Ghana’s once-thriving local film sector, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has officially announced the formation of the Kumawood Ashanti Film Association. This new body is expected to serve as the administrative and creative engine driving the revival of the Kumawood movie industry, which has faced significant decline in recent years.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement held in Kumasi, Dr. Amoakohene revealed that the association has already elected its leadership. The elected executives will form a board that will be tasked with appointing a dedicated management team to oversee daily operations at the association’s secretariat.
“This is a great milestone for the region,” Dr. Amoakohene declared. “The formation of the Kumawood Ashanti Film Association is a critical step towards reviving an industry that not only entertains but provides jobs, shapes culture, and tells the unique stories of the Ashanti people.”
The Minister emphasized that this is not a symbolic gesture, but rather a structured and collaborative effort to breathe new life into the regional movie ecosystem. He added that the initiative was birthed from extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and is part of broader recommendations in a recent report on cultural revitalization in the region.
Dr. Amoakohene reassured the association of his unwavering personal support and reiterated that the national government—through President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture—has pledged full backing to the revival campaign.
“I remain committed to supporting them as we work together to implement the other recommendations in the report — with the full backing of H.E. the President and the Hon. Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture,” he stated.
Kumawood, once the heartbeat of Ghana’s local-language film production, particularly in the Akan language, saw rapid growth in the early 2000s. However, the rise of foreign content, piracy, and lack of funding led to its sharp decline. The new association is seen as a vital organizational structure to address those systemic challenges.
The Kumawood Ashanti Film Association will work to unify filmmakers, actors, producers, and investors under a common vision for growth. It is also expected to spearhead fundraising efforts, training programs, marketing strategies, and modern content development that aligns with both local and international standards.
Industry players have already welcomed the move, describing it as “long overdue” and expressing optimism that the sector will once again become a major contributor to Ghana’s cultural economy.
The launch of the association signals a hopeful future for Kumawood, as it aligns with government efforts to restore the Ashanti Region as a vibrant creative hub not just for Ghana, but for Africa.
