We Campaigned for Ghana’s Future, Not Personal Gain – Christiana Awuni
In the aftermath of the just-ended elections, several Kumawood actors, including Christiana Awuni, Big Akwess, and Okomfo Kolege, have shared their motivations for supporting President-elect John Mahama. Their advocacy, they revealed, was driven by a desire to address the longstanding challenges faced by Ghana’s creative arts industry, not personal or political gain.
Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Friday, December 13, 2024, Christiana Awuni dismissed claims that their support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was for selfish reasons. “People think we came out to support NDC because of selfish gains, but it is not so. We did this for Ghana,” she told host Doreen Avio.
Dressed in NDC paraphernalia, the actress explained that her celebration of John Mahama’s victory was rooted in hope for a brighter future for the youth and the creative arts sector. She emphasized that the industry is more than entertainment, describing it as a vital contributor to Ghana’s economy and culture that has long been overlooked.
Unfulfilled Promises Under the Akufo-Addo Administration
Actor Big Akwess recalled a meeting in August 2015 with President Nana Akufo-Addo, during which the Kumawood industry’s challenges were discussed. He outlined three key promises made by the administration that were never fulfilled:
- Establishing a film industry equipped with modern cinemas.
- Passing legislation to regulate the dominance of foreign telenovelas over local productions.
- Building a film village to support local filmmakers.
“He has frustrated us. He said it and never did it,” Big Akwess lamented, adding that their frustration led them to seek solutions elsewhere.
The actors disclosed that they engaged John Mahama on these concerns, and he assured them of his commitment to reviving the industry.
A Hopeful Future for Creative Arts
Actor Okomfo Kolege echoed his colleagues’ sentiments, expressing optimism for the creative arts sector under John Mahama’s leadership. He noted that while Mr. Mahama began addressing the industry’s needs during his previous tenure, time constraints hindered significant progress.
“I pray Mahama will continue the good works he was doing for the creative arts industry so we boom as we should,” he remarked.
The Kumawood actors believe their advocacy during the campaign was a patriotic effort to secure sustainable solutions for the film industry and the youth of Ghana. Their hope is that the incoming administration will prioritize the creative arts sector, ensuring its growth and contribution to national development.
