Kofi Adjorlolo: Ghana’s Movie Industry Lacks Marketing

Veteran Ghanaian actor Kofi Adjorlolo has dismissed suggestions that Ghana’s movie industry is dying. Instead, he believes the main challenge facing the sector is poor marketing and promotion of films.

“Ghana movie is not down; actors are acting daily, producers are producing daily, work is ongoing daily. Rather, it is the promotion and marketing that is lacking, and we’ve got to fix that area,” he stressed in an interview on The Real Talk Podcast with Elizabeth Essuman ON September, 5, 2025.

Adjorlolo explained that many people are quick to judge the state of the industry without looking at the real issues. According to him, movies are still being made and actors remain active, but the lack of effective promotion prevents Ghanaian films from reaching wider audiences.

The actor also rejected claims that Nollywood gave Ghanaian actors fame. He argued that Ghana had already produced successful films and stars long before Nigerian producers began casting Ghanaian talent.

“Though the Ghana movie industry may be having its own problems, it does not mean Nigerians made us. Ghana Films made Ghanaian actors. The Ghana movie industry and the movies we produced made us popular before Nigerian producers noticed and called us,” he declared

Highlighting Ghana’s rich film history, Adjorlolo recalled the era when “Ghallywood” had a strong presence in the African entertainment industry. He pointed to actors such as Majid Michel, Van Vicker, Jackie Appiah, John Dumelo, Juliet Ibrahim, Nadia Buari, and Yvonne Nelson, who all became household names in Ghana before they appeared in Nollywood movies.

“Ghanaian actors earned their fame in their home country first,” he said, stressing that the nation has always had the ability to develop bankable stars.

While he acknowledged Nigeria’s strength in business and its persistence in pushing projects, Adjorlolo insisted that Ghana deserves recognition for laying the artistic foundations that allowed its actors to shine across Africa.

“Ghana movie industry and the movies produced made us popular before the Nigerian producers noticed, and called us,” he repeated, noting that the contributions of Ghana’s film industry should not be downplayed.

The veteran actor, who previously shared stories about his musical journey starting at age eight, also encouraged stakeholders to stop criticizing the industry as “dead.” Instead, he called for unity and practical solutions.

“Though there are problems in the movie industry in Ghana, I do not like people to downgrade the industry; instead, let those who think that there is a problem, come together and map out solutions that could, should and would elevate the industry,” he advised.

Adjorlolo further revealed that people sometimes compare his looks to American actor Denzel Washington. Laughing about the comparison, he said that while he accepts Ghana’s challenges in film, the industry is alive, active, and capable of revival if marketing and promotion are prioritized.