Veteran Ghanaian filmmaker Socrate Safo has blamed sections of the Ghanaian media for the decline of the country’s movie industry, saying negative commentary about local films discouraged audiences, investors and producers. He made the remarks during an interview on Okay FM on July 15, 2026, as debate continues over what caused the nosedive of Ghana’s once-thriving film industry.
This story falls under: Entertainment
Socrate Safo’s comments have reopened discussions about the challenges facing Ghana’s creative industry, including declining film production, reduced investment and changing audience habits.
Socrate Safo says negative media coverage hurt Ghana’s movie industry
Speaking during the interview, Safo recalled a period when Ghanaian films generated significant advertising and promotional revenue for media houses.
“There was a time the film industry helped the media make so much money in terms of adverts and promotions. I remember the number of friends in the media whom I was personally sorting out for writing promotional content and adlibs.”
According to him, the relationship between filmmakers and some media personalities changed when broadcasters began criticising local movies instead of promoting them.
He said comments describing Ghanaian films as “not nice” or “boring” affected public perception, pushing away potential viewers and investors.
Read more about the challenges facing Ghana’s creative arts industry
Safo also recalled an incident at a television station in Accra where a presenter announced plans to compare Ghanaian movies with Nigerian productions.
“I had to go to them after the show to tell them that what they were doing was not good. They were damaging the industry.”
Filmmaker says the decline affected media organisations too
Safo argued that the decline of Ghana’s movie industry did not only affect filmmakers but also media companies that previously benefited from film-related advertising and promotions.
He said the money that once circulated between producers, advertisers and media platforms gradually disappeared as the industry struggled.
“Eventually, we saw the effects. The movie industry has declined and the money that used to flow towards the media people has dried up.”
The filmmaker believes stronger promotion of local productions would have created more opportunities across the creative sector.
“If they were actually promoting the movies, they would have gotten more money and it circulates. That is how industries grow.”
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