Renowned Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong Manso has dismissed growing sentiments that the Ghanaian movie industry is dead, stating instead that the industry’s real challenge lies in the lack of local support and investment.
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM on June 18, 2025, Shirley expressed her frustration with the narrative that Ghana’s film industry lacks potential. She explained that while the expected progress has been slow, the sector still holds immense promise if the right structures are put in place.
“I don’t want to hear that it’s dead, because it’s not,” she asserted. “People call it dead because the progress we expected over the years hasn’t happened. But that doesn’t mean there’s no potential.”
In drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s booming Nollywood, Shirley highlighted the role of deliberate government and private sector investments in propelling their film sector forward. She emphasized that Nigeria’s success didn’t happen overnight but was the result of consistent efforts to invest in film as an art and economic driver.
“Nigerians made a decision to invest in film as an art form that creates jobs, drives business, and makes an impact. They made funding available, built cinemas, and expanded them. That’s why they’re doing better than us,” she explained.
According to her, Ghana also possesses all the essential elements needed to develop a thriving movie industry—talented actors, skilled storytellers, and a rich cultural backdrop. However, she believes Ghana’s downfall is its inability to prioritize and value the creative arts as a serious sector.
“We are good storytellers. We have great actors. What’s missing is that we don’t place enough importance on film and the creative arts. That’s where our problem lies,” Shirley said.
She also mentioned that her own international success is proof of Ghana’s global relevance in cinema. “A lot of the opportunities I get abroad come simply because I’m a Ghanaian filmmaker. That shows the kind of impact our films can create. The industry isn’t dead, we can do much better,” she added.
Shirley further called on the private sector, investors, and media to play their part in reviving the industry. She argued that while government involvement is crucial, true growth will require collaborative efforts across all fronts.
“We’ve produced films that examine critical societal issues. The industry needs everyone; government, private investors, media. Everyone must come on board,” she urged.
As one of the most celebrated figures in Ghanaian cinema, Shirley Frimpong Manso’s insights have reignited conversations about the need to restructure and reinvest in the country’s film ecosystem. Her firm stance offers both hope and direction for a sector many have prematurely written off.
