Ga Mantse urges Govt to support film industry in telling Ghana’s untold Stories
The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called on the government to invest in films that highlight significant yet untold stories from Ghana’s history and culture. In a speech delivered on his behalf by Joy FM sports journalist Nathaniel Attoh at the second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit held at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra, the Ga Mantse emphasized the role of cinema in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
During his address, the Overlord of the Ga state urged the government to produce a film that would tell the inspirational story of Ghanaian boxing legend, Azumah Nelson. “One such story, given that we are on Ga and Ga-Dangme land, and recognizing that I am a custodian of this culture, is that of one of Africa’s greatest athletes, Barima Professor Azumah ‘Zumzum’ Nelson, who is a proud son of the Ga soil,” the Ga Mantse stated.
He highlighted that Azumah Nelson’s journey is filled with cultural significance and inspiration for future generations, showcasing the African spirit of resilience. The King suggested that the government in 2025 should vigorously pursue the production of this film, among many other stories that reflect Ghana’s rich heritage.
Azumah Nelson, a former professional Ghanaian boxer, was active between 1979 and 2008. He is a two-time world champion, having held the WBC featherweight title from 1984 to 1987, and the WBC super featherweight title twice between 1988 and 1997. Nelson also competed for the unified WBC and IBF lightweight titles in 1990 and is regarded as one of Africa’s greatest boxers of all time.
Challenging Negative Media Portrayals of Africa
In his speech, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also expressed concern over the negative portrayal of Africa in foreign media, which often accentuates stories of distress and suffering. He referenced the tragic imagery associated with Rwanda in the past and noted how, under the leadership of President Kagame, the country has rebuilt itself into a promising nation.
“We all remember, with a lot of pain, the negative images projected by foreign media, but today, Rwanda is an example of a bright future. It is important that Africans take control of their narratives and use cinema as a tool for positive social change,” the Ga Mantse remarked.
Cinema as a Tool for Cultural Preservation and Empowerment
The Ga Mantse further underscored the importance of cinema in shaping society. “As we embark on this journey at the Africa Cinema Summit, let us reaffirm our commitment to cinema as a vital tool for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and social transformation. Cinema reflects our past, represents our present, and projects our future,” he said.
The four-day summit, which began on October 7, 2024, is set to end on October 10, 2024. This year’s program focuses on enhancing the quality of local content production and consumption, advocating for greater investment in cinema infrastructure. The summit has brought together filmmakers from 20 African countries to discuss the future of African cinema.
Prominent Figures at the Summit
The 2024 edition of the Africa Cinema Summit has attracted significant personalities, including English actor of Ghanaian descent, Idris Elba, who headlined the opening of the event. This year’s summit features progressive discussions aimed at consolidating the strides made in the African cinema industry, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. As part of the summit’s activities, a Legacy Award ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the Movenpick Hotel, to recognize outstanding contributions to African cinema.
