Actor Mikki Osei Berko, popularly known as Dada Boat, has revealed that it saddens his heart whenever he sees foreign content played on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation channels.
According to him, it is the national media station of the country. Therefore, its responsibility is to focus on and promote local content only.
Unfortunately, the managers of the station have joined other private channels by airing foreign programs, which he thinks is not supporting the movie industry and its stakeholders.
“A lot of TV stations show about 80% foreign content. Even the national television station and that is sad. It makes me shed tears anytime I see GBC showing foreign content. For what?”
Mikki Osei Berko
He said other countries’ television stations, including Nigeria, do not show foreign content as compared to Ghana.
But GBC, he thinks, has joined what other stations’ programming, thereby swaying from the actual aim of the creation of the channel.
“The factor is just about the money or entertainment it produces. We need to educate the people about ourselves and our culture. The people will have to understand this themselves, and then we need to also take it outside for people to understand who Ghanaians are.”
Mikki Osei Berko
Dada Boat believes one of the major hindrances to the industry’s progression is the airing of foreign content on the majority of Ghanaian media channels, which he says must be stopped.
He called on the government to get involved and support by ensuring effective policies and training measures are put in place to minimize the challenges.
Mikki Osei Berko on Ghana’s Movie Industry
The actor and Omankrado of Affumkrom believe that Ghana’s movie industry is not as dead as most people perceive.
He asserted that the industry is still alive but is struggling to survive and sustain its vibrancy. “It’s not dead; it’s in a coma and needs medication,” he said sarcastically.
Explaining what medications it required to remedy the situation, he mentioned that effective policies and training are the best solutions.
According to him, the government needs to get involved and help solve the challenges, as the industry is a key part of the country’s economic growth.
“Government should get involved because it’s an important part of the economy we cannot underestimate. When policy comes into being, it means that training and the others follow.”
Mikki Osei Berko
This guides industry players in realizing the standards required, and there are opportunities available.
Dada Boat also believes one of the major hindrances to the industry’s progression is the airing of foreign content on the majority of Ghanaian media channels, which he says must be stopped.
“If it’s not stopped, one day I’ll have a one-man demonstration to help stop it because it’s killing our industry and economy.”
Mikki Osei Berko
He suggested that television stations should be forced with Legislative Instruments (L.I) to show local content frequently.
Moreover, Mikki expressed concern over the inadequate financial rewards actors receive and the absence of policies to safeguard their future once they are no longer active in the industry.
He pointed out that while actors may enjoy fame, many continue to face daily financial challenges, particularly in their later years.
However, he believes that in Ghana, acting is treated more as a hobby than a profession, which leaves many actors struggling financially.
Mikki Osei Berko called for industry reforms, emphasizing the need for policies that would ensure fair compensation and create better opportunities for actors.
His comments have reignited discussions about the need for structured support systems for actors in Ghana, especially those who have dedicated years to the industry.
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