Veteran actor, Abeiku Sagoe has called on the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), to help guide the private television stations to filter films before airing them.

Speaking in an interview, the actor emphasized that violent movies play a big role in shaping people’s behavior, especially children. According to him, adults have already formed their characters and so, such violent movies most often than not don’t influence them.

Touching on some ways to curb the issue, Mr. Sagoe asked that GIBA should not only look out for the protection of its members, but they should also ensure that the public is also protected from violent movies.

“Yes, people form their characters by what they see especially from what they see. I mean there have been many instances where children have attempted to do what they saw in films.

“Some checks on these television stations need to be put in place. Everybody is opening a television station and there seems to be no control… The private tv station must have checks, they must have internal control. Put in place someone to preview the movies first before it’s aired. I think that GIBA must come in strongly on this matter and help with this”.

Abeiku Sagoe asks for control of private media

Mr. Sagoe explained that Ghana used to be extremely peaceful because initially, such violent movies were only limited to adult viewing in the cinemas. He added that due to the privatization of media, things have become different especially with matters like controlling what should be aired at a particular time.

“it wasn’t as if we were not watching the violent movies then. However, they were limited to only adults. Because that was when we go to the cinemas to watch a film, and you had to be above 18 to be admitted into the theatre. But now, the proliferation of free-to-air television stations means that people have access to tv at all times, and unfortunately some are airing films that ought to be for adults at the wrong time, where children are at home and watching without a parental guide”.

Speaking further, Mr. Sagoe averred that it isn’t only violence that has become a problem but the advent of several false prophets all stems from the movies that are aired these days. He also stated that in this year alone, there have been several cases of husbands and boyfriends killing their partners, and he said he strongly believes that these violent movies have had a role to play in heightening such violence in society.

Oscar Provencal adds his voice to the issue

That notwithstanding, ace Ghanaian actor, Oscar Provencal in the same vein posited;that violent movies having an impact on people solely depends on the individual.

He also added that even though some content can be filtered on the mainstream;media, content on social media can also play a role in shaping the behavior of the youth and children. He advised parents, not to only look at one side of the issue;but also, other contents consumed elsewhere should be considered.

“There is definitely a correlation here you don’t even need extensive research because you can clearly see it. But as to how it impacts, that only dwells on the individual. Especially those who are underaged and the youth.

“We should be looking at ways to get them away from it, even though we can’t do it completely. Because there are social media, and the youth is consuming so much content over there”.

‘Inspector Bediako’ coming back to the screens

Mr. Provencal who is the star actor in the classic Ghanaian movie, ‘Inspector Bediako’, speaking;about the inspiration behind the movie, mentioned that the movie wasn’t made to “glorify violence”, however it was;made to promote the idea that “a black man can handle his business”. He further emphasized that in the next sequel, “that tradition will still hold”.

Also, he hinted that the next sequel of the movie will be out by;the end of this year or the beginning of next year. He further admonished film producers and writers to find other means of portraying Africa positively.

“We may not be able to completely take out violence from our;movies, but we must also appeal to our scriptwriters and those producing the films to;be more creative to find the right balance to tell the African story”.