Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene has disclosed that he discovered the creative industry (Kumawood) in the region plagued with "destructive competition" when he took office.
The unwholesome competition affected cooperation and progress in the industry.
Speaking during the first National Film Dialogue in Accra on Tuesday, September 16, Dr. Amoakohene further said that he immediately instituted a committee to bring back Kumawood, the local film industry, and fire up the creative industry, saying that the industry placed the region in a good spotlight. (See also: NFA hosts first National Film Dialogue in Accra)
I believe that among the key reasons why Ashanti region came into the spotlight is because of the creatives, artistes, lively echo tourism destinations and our culture and thus from day one, I did not waste any time in taking steps to correct some of the shortcomings within this sector.
"I realized the industry was full of kill-and-be-killed competition instead of celebrating a complementary synergy to sell the Kumawood industry.".
"Numerous times beyond count, I had to sit in meetings myself and see how best I could bring together and fix the industry. With the ministry of the Tourism Minister and the National Film Authority, we fixed most of their problems and were able to inspire them to stage one of the best performances during the Ashantifest.".
This led to the establishment of Kumawood Ashanti film industry which engaged all the other arms of the creative sector. It is now a powerful secretariat to train, build and embark on projects that will tell our story well, portray our culture and be in a position to sell our region and country," he said.
As a move to promote local content, Dr. Amoakohene campaigned for access to Ghanaian movies for free for Senior High School students.
This will cultivate interest in the local movies at an early stage, and there will be a dedicated audience.
Since we are also trying to earn money, one critical thing that has come to mind is that we must invest. Most of the young ones, especially the SSS and those below are losing touch with our local content and that is one area we need to put emphasis on.
"Then we can offer it to them for free so that they will be hooked on the local content. Once they get to the university where they have to pay the 20 cedis or 50 cedis, we can chase them there because by then they are already hooked on the local content," he said