Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called on the government to invest in the production of films that capture Ghana’s untold stories, highlighting cinema’s essential role in preserving cultural heritage.
Speaking at the second Africa Cinema Summit at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra, he emphasized the importance of cinema in celebrating the nation’s legacy.
In a keynote address delivered by broadcaster Nathaniel Attoh, the Ga Mantse urged the next government to support a film that chronicles the life of legendary Ghanaian boxer Azumah Nelson.
He noted, “As we are on Ga Adangbe land, it is fitting to tell the story of one of Africa’s most accomplished athletes, Berima Professor Azumah Nelson, who hails from this land.”
The Ga Mantse stressed that Nelson’s story is rich in culture and inspiration, reflecting the future of African heritage. He urged that this narrative should be pursued vigorously by the upcoming administration in 2025.
Reflecting on African cinema, he criticized foreign media for their negative portrayals of the continent, often focusing on distressing events like the Rwandan crisis while neglecting the progress made by countries such as Rwanda under President Kagame.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II encouraged Africans to utilize cinema as a means for social transformation, stating, “Let us reaffirm our commitment to cinema as a vital tool for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and social change. Cinema mirrors our past, represents our present, and shapes our future.”
The four-day Africa Cinema Summit, which began on October 7 and concludes on October 10, 2024, aims to enhance local content production and encourage greater investment in the film industry.
This year’s summit features discussions led by British actor Idris Elba, focused on fostering growth and collaboration within the African film sector.
