Ghanaian actress, Gloria Sarfo has criticized the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for allegedly giving Ghanaian filmmakers, actors, and actresses a fake flight itinerary after they were invited to attend the prestigious event in Nigeria.
The actress in an Instagram post said they only got to know of the fake flight after they were left stranded at the airport on Friday, November 1.
Gloria Sarfo revealed that together with other well-known industry players, including Pascal Amanfo, and Akorfa Adjeani, they were stranded and embarrassed at the airport after discovering they were not listed in the airline’s system despite receiving a flight itinerary a day earlier (Thursday, October 31).
“We kept asking about our travel itinerary, the flight itinerary and they kept giving us excuses. Lo and behold on Thursday night, it came so we were sure we would be going.
“When we got to the airport, they asked for our passports and we provided them and then all of a sudden, we were asked to wait for a while so they check on some processes.”
Gloria Sarfo
Sarfo claimed that the invitation included assurances of an all-expense paid trip, including travel information and an itinerary. “If you invite me to an event and you tell me, it’s an all-expense paid trip and send me a flight itinerary to confirm that I’m on the flight and I get to the story and it’s a different story altogether, who does that?” the actress lamented.
The actress said despite several attempts to reach out to the organizers of AMAA, they received no response and were asked by authorities at the airport to purchase their own flight tickets if they could afford them.
“We stood there for hours till check-in was over. We had to get the representative, trying to call them, some were calling the Nigerian people they knew were part of the organizers and all that, and still, they were no communication whatsoever and then the news broke that the flight was almost taking off and so we would be considered, if we can afford to pay for our ticket, then we pay and go to Nigeria.”
Gloria Sarfo
Gloria Sarfo noted that they could have afforded their tickets had they been allowed to, but they believed the invitation because AMAA was meant to fund it. “That should have been communicated earlier because you cannot send me a fake flight itinerary and when I get to the airport, I can’t go the airport…come and see us at the airport stranded,” she narrated.
She added that she sacrificed several career commitments, including a feature film project, a set engagement, a premiere, and another award night only to be disappointed by organizers of the AMAA.
Sarfo noted that Ghanaians prioritize the comfort and convenience of Nigerian invitees for such occasions making sure they have transportation, lodging, and occasionally even cash.
She was disappointed that they were not treated with the same respect. She called on the Ghanaian film industry to speak out against such treatment, which she claimed undermines their value and contributions to African cinema.
The actress demanded an apology from AMAA for such disdainful treatment.
Jackie Appiah Wins Best Actress For Leading Role
Canadian-Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah secured one of the most coveted honors in African cinema, winning Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAAs). The award is for her exceptional performance in the movie “Red Carpet.”
This victory, announced during the AMAA gala held in Lagos, Nigeria, marks a new milestone in Appiah’s remarkable career and underscores her dedication to her craft over two decades.
Facing stiff competition from fellow talented nominees, Appiah’s role in “Red Carpet” stood out.
The movie, directed by Frank Rajah Arase, is a bold production by Samis Media, led by celebrated filmmaker and costume designer Samira Yakubu.
It features an all-star cast, including Kalsoume Sinare, Grace Omaboe, Selly Ghally, Roseline Ngissah, Adjetey Annang, Abeiku Santana, Beverly Afaglo, and Deyemi Okanlawon, among others.
Jackie Appiah’s journey with the AMAA began in 2007 when she won her first award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Beyonce.”
Beyond the AMAAs, Appiah’s talent has earned her numerous accolades, including Best Actress at the 2010 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, the Ghana Movie Awards, and Pan African Actress of the Year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2011.
This recognition at the AMAAs, particularly in its 20th anniversary year, celebrates Appiah’s impactful career and her contributions to African cinema, inspiring both fans and aspiring actors across the continent.
In a set of photos that surfaced on social media, the star actress wore a star-studded red corseted gown that accentuated her well-defined curves.
Many people congratulated Jackie Appiah on securing the Best Actress award at the recently held 2024 AMAA. Others also talked about how gorgeous she looked in her red outfit.
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