GHANA MOVIE STARS ARE KNOWN AS NIGERIANS ABROAD

Movie-loving Ghanaians have contributed to the progression of the movie industry by patronizing such movies and elevating Ghanaian actors without getting anything in return.

The least they can derive is the feeling of pride when these Ghanaian actors are called upon as Ghanaians to receive international recognition. Unfortunately, the feeling of being Ghanaian and associating yourself with a Ghanaian actor is being taken away.

Some of Ghana’s movie stars who are supposed to be known and called Ghollywood stars are rather being referred to as Nollywood stars by international media and event organizers.

A story on Ghanaian celebrated actor, John Dumelo, had it that, he’s been featured in Vogue International Magazine. A portion of the story reads (unedited): “He is Ghanaian, but works mostly in Nigeria, Nollywood, where they now produce more than 200 films a year. He goes and come back to Ghana.”

Another story about another Ghanaian movie star Jackie Appiah, also had it that (unedited): she’s been featured in front of Nollywood Weekly cover with other Nollywood actors/Actress.” The latest is about, Juliet Ibrahim – a Ghanaian actress and an award winning philanthropist.

In a recent press release by Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), they indicated (unedited): “This eagerly-awaited event will be hosted by International Celebrity Comedian, Basket Mouth along with Nollywood Beauty Sensation and Actress, Juliet Ibrahim.

Speaking to Ghanaian actress Kafui Danku, she admitted, “Even in Ghana, some people consider me as a Nollywood star so I always correct them that I’m a Ghanaian actress. I’ve also heard of one popular actress who was once referred to as a Nollywood Star.”

Sharing his thoughts on this development, Mr. Odoi Mensah cautioned International event organizers and award schemes to stop staging Ghanaian movie stars as Nollywood stars.

“Well, I have not observed what you are telling me but I won’t doubt you either,” he stated.

“We have strong ties with Nigerians so we can go there and work and they can also come here and work. However, when we go there, it does not make us Nollywood stars likewise they coming here do not make them Ghollywood stars. I will therefore call on those who are tagging Ghanaians movie stars as Nollywood stars stop,” he advised.