The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has made a heartfelt call to the government to fund movies that showcase Ghana’s rich history and untold stories, with a focus on preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
Speaking at the Africa Cinema Summit in Accra, the Ga King emphasized the power of cinema in shaping national identity and celebrating the legacy of great figures in Ghanaian history.
During his address, delivered on his behalf by respected broadcaster Nathaniel Attoh, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II highlighted the importance of supporting films that go beyond entertainment and serve as a medium to tell authentic African stories.
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One such story, he suggested, is that of legendary Ghanaian boxer Azumah Nelson, a national hero who rose to international fame through his sporting achievements.
“Considering we are on Ga Adangbe land, and given that Azumah Nelson is a son of this soil, it is only fitting that we tell his story in a way that reflects his cultural roots and his impact as one of Africa’s most accomplished athletes,” the Ga King said.
He stressed how Nelson’s life and career, which spanned from 1979 to 2008, are not just a story of personal triumph but a symbol of inspiration for future generations. “His story embodies culture, inspiration, and projects the future of the African way,” King Tsuru II noted, encouraging the government to fund such projects by 2025.
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Azumah Nelson, often referred to as “The Professor,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest African athletes of all time, having held world titles in two weight divisions. His legacy as a boxer extends far beyond the ring, serving as a source of pride and a cultural touchstone for Ghana and the continent at large.
Beyond the call for celebrating local heroes, the Ga King also touched on the broader role of cinema in shaping perceptions of Africa globally.
He criticized the negative portrayal of the continent by foreign media, recalling images of suffering and conflict, such as the Rwandan crisis, often projected to the world. Despite the progress African nations like Rwanda have made, King Tsuru II pointed out how such portrayals persist, overshadowing the positive stories of growth and resilience.
“As we gather for the Africa Cinema Summit, let us reaffirm our commitment to cinema as a vital tool for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and social transformation,” he urged. “Cinema reflects our past, represents our present, and projects our future.”
The Africa Cinema Summit, which runs from October 7 to October 10, 2024, brings together industry leaders to discuss the future of African film.
This year’s summit, headlined by British actor of Ghanaian descent, Idris Elba, is focused on improving local content production and pushing for greater investment in African cinema.
The summit has attracted key players from across the continent, with discussions aimed at fostering collaboration, enhancing the quality of local films, and creating opportunities for African filmmakers.
Organized by the National Film Authority (NFA) under the leadership of Juliet Asante, the summit seeks to establish a stronger presence for African cinema on the global stage.
With partnerships from organizations like Filmhouse Group (Nigeria), Silverbird Cinema (Ghana), and Century CineMax (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), the event is a vital step toward consolidating the progress made in African film.
As part of the summit, a Legacy Award ceremony will also take place to honour key contributors to the African film industry.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II’s words serve as a reminder of the critical role that storytelling plays in cultural preservation and the need for Africa to reclaim its narrative, both locally and globally.
With cinema as a tool for empowerment, he urged both the current and future governments to invest in films that reflect the true spirit of Ghana and Africa, ensuring that the stories of today will inspire future generations. “It’s time to tell our own stories,” he concluded.
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