Accra, Ghana – October 9, 2024
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has called on the Ghanaian government to invest in the production of films that highlight the country’s untold stories. His remarks were delivered by Joy FM sports journalist Nathaniel Attoh at the second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit, held at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra.
In his speech, the King emphasized the crucial role of cinema in preserving culture and heritage. He specifically urged the government to create a film that chronicles the life of legendary Ghanaian boxer Azumah Nelson, stating, “His story has that of culture, inspiration and has that of projection for the future, the African way.”
Azumah Nelson, a two-weight world champion who competed from 1979 to 2008, is regarded as one of Africa’s greatest boxers. He held the WBC featherweight title from 1984 to 1987 and the WBC super featherweight title twice between 1988 and 1997. His journey is viewed as a rich narrative that blends sporting achievement with cultural significance.
The King also lamented the negative portrayals of Africa often perpetuated by foreign media, stressing the need for Africans to harness film as a means of social change. “Those unfortunate images of people distressed by the sides of the streets often overshadow the progress we’ve made,” he remarked, referencing the positive developments in nations like Rwanda under President Kagame’s leadership.
As he addressed attendees, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II underscored the importance of cinema as a vehicle for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and social transformation. “The relevance of cinema cannot be overstated. It reflects our past, represents our present, and projects our future,” he stated.
The Africa Cinema Summit, which began on October 7, 2024, is set to conclude on October 10, 2024. This year’s program focuses on enhancing the quality of local content production and consumption while advocating for increased investment in the cinema sector. The inaugural edition of the summit attracted filmmakers from 20 African nations, fostering vital conversations on the continent’s cinematic growth.
This year’s event has expanded significantly, featuring high-profile attendees including English actor of Ghanaian descent, Idris Elba, who headlined the summit’s opening. A Legacy Award ceremony is scheduled for October 9, 2024, as part of the summit’s activities.
Organized by the National Film Authority in collaboration with various partners, including Filmhouse Group (Nigeria) and Silverbird Cinema (Ghana), the Africa Cinema Summit aims to promote collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth within the African cinema industry.