Ghanaian media houses have been incorporating international telenovelas into their programming, airing them at prime time slots to attract more viewers.
This trend has gained popularity recently, with many Ghanaians tuning in to watch these captivating dramas.
However, actor and Radio Presenter, Mickey Osei Berkoe stated that media houses that show telenovelas at prime time must be prosecuted.
“I see Telenovelas streamed at prime time as criminal and that, media houses should be prosecuted for causing financial loss to the state. It is one of the solutions so policymakers should establish these laws”, he said.
Telenovelas have a large following worldwide, and by airing them at prime time slots, media houses in Ghana can attract a wider audience. This not only boosts their ratings but also helps to improve their advertising revenue.
Viewers are exposed to different cultures, languages, and storylines that may not be commonly seen in local programs. This can help to broaden viewers’ perspectives and introduce them to new and exciting content.
By showcasing popular telenovelas from countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and India, Ghanaian viewers can see these shows’ high production values and storytelling techniques. This can inspire local producers and directors to create more engaging and quality content for Ghanaian audiences.
By airing international shows at prime time, Ghanaian media houses can tap into this existing fan base and attract viewers who are already familiar with the telenovela genre. This can help to build a loyal audience and increase viewership for the channel.
However, Private legal practitioner, Serwaah Sarfo Mensah reacted to Mickey Osei Berkoe’s statement. She illustrated using her experience, how the international content she consumed helped her career.
“We sometimes have to learn; I like to learn about other cultures, I know my culture but I keep on learning every time. I also love to learn about other cultures too. For example, about 2 years ago, I had a case in court, I watched one of these telenovelas which helped influence my case. It did help me with regards to the strategies and plans with that case,” she stated.
Also, Ghanaian movie producer and actor, Fiifi Coleman further added that if Ghanaian movie producers want their content to be aired during prime time, they would have to produce content to match the foreign telenovelas to get viewership.
The benefits of Ghanaian media houses showing international telenovelas at prime time are clear; from increased viewership and advertising revenue to promoting diversity and boosting the local entertainment industry, airing these captivating dramas has proven to be a successful strategy for media houses in Ghana.
As the popularity of telenovelas continues to grow, more channels will likely follow suit and incorporate these international shows into their programs.
Ghana Movie Industry Struggles Over Multiple Challenges
The Ghana movie industry has faced several challenges in recent years. The industry struggles with issues such as piracy, lack of funding, and competition from other film industries.
However, despite these challenges, Ghanaian filmmakers continue to produce movies and tell their unique stories. There are talented actors, directors, and producers in the industry who are working hard to keep it alive and thriving.
Ghanaian actor, Fiifi Coleman revealed that it is very expensive to produce movies in Ghana, compared to the value media houses place on them.
Thus he advised movie producers to ensure they have the right channels of distribution to enable them to recoup the investments they put into movie production.
“So I will do work knowing very well that my channels of distribution are there so that I will get my money back. Don’t expect to produce a movie and receive the same worth of money from any media house in Ghana. It will never work!” Fiifi Coleman noted.
Also, Ghanaian actor, Solomon Fixon-Owoo addressed the issue of budgets within the industry. He noted that even when funds are available, actors may not receive fair compensation due to producers prioritizing profit over fair pay.
Solomon Fixon-Owoo remarked that even though the Ghana movie industry does not pay, it offers visibility to the actors involved, stating that actors should have a clear vision for their careers and use their fame to pursue other income-generating activities.
Initiatives such as the Ghana Movie Awards and the Ghana International Film Festival aim to promote and recognize the talents within the industry.
While it may not currently enjoy the same level of international recognition as some other film industries, the Ghana movie industry still contributes significantly to the cultural and entertainment landscape of the country, and there is potential for growth and revival in the future.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Power Woes Deepen as ECG Fails to Deliver Load Management Timetable
