Sidelining me is the reason Kumawood collapsed; don’t blame the emergence of CDs — Agya Koo

Veteran Ghanaian actor, Agya Koo, has attributed the decline of the Kumawood movie industry to his exclusion from roles during a specific period, refuting the notion that the emergence of CDs is solely responsible for the industry's collapse.

In an interview with Kumasi-based radio station Ezra FM, the renowned actor noted that sidelining him had a toll on the industry, asserting that he remains the most marketable Ghanaian actor.

“They sidelined me, and now they blame the emergence of CDs for the collapse of the industry, which is not true. But they will not accept this fact,” Agya Koo said.

Reflecting on the once-vibrant Kumawood industry, Agya Koo highlighted that his name was synonymous with Ghanaian cinema, especially among the Ghanaian diaspora, notably in the USA.

He emphasised that those who patronise Ghanaian movies often ask a key question, "Is Agya Koo part of the cast?"

This, according to him, was evidence of his unmatched marketability and influence at the time until he was sidelined.

“Though I was not the only one acting at the time, any time people wanted to watch Ghanaian movies, they mentioned the name Agya Koo. Why didn’t they ask for someone else’s name?” he questioned.

Agya Koo, known for his comedic and versatile acting, believes that sidelining him during a crucial period contributed to the decline of Kumawood, a once-thriving film industry that produced a multitude of Akan-language films.