Members of the Dagara and Dagaaba communities in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and beyond, have raised their collective voice in objection to the upcoming movie “Kofi Dagarti,” demanding an immediate ban on its premiere.
In an official press statement shared on Facebook, the group expressed deep offence and outrage, pointing to the usage of a derogatory term within the movie that has a historical context of mocking and discriminating against their ethnic group, particularly in the Ashanti region.
“We, the Dagara/Dagaaba people of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and beyond, are outraged and offended by the movie production titled: 'KOFI DAGARTI',” the statement declared.
They attribute this term to colonial prejudices, emphasizing that it reflects a lack of respect and tolerance for their cultural identity.
The statement, directed at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as the Manager/Producer Official, Agya Koo of the movie, explicitly calls for the withdrawal of the movie’s publication, cancellation of its premiere, and an unconditional apology to the Dagara/Dagaaba people across Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and the broader global audience.
The term “Kofi Dagarti” used in the movie is denounced as not only insensitive but also irresponsible. Filmmakers are reminded of their duty to create content that is respectful, inclusive, and original, refraining from the use of pejorative terms that reinforce negative stereotypes, perpetuate biases, and offend specific ethnic or cultural groups.
The group highlights the potentially serious implications of such terms on social dynamics and harmony within the country, emphasizing that they can tarnish the reputation of the movie and subject its creators to backlash and controversies.
A call for caution and creativity in handling cultural and ethnic references in movie production is emphasized, urging filmmakers to strive for characters and narratives that authentically reflect the diversity, complexity, and richness of different cultural backgrounds.
The statement encourages the challenging or subverting of harmful stereotypes rather than their reproduction or reinforcement.
In conclusion, the press release asserts the pride of the Dagara/Dagaaba heritage and conveys a firm stance against any attempt to demean or marginalize their community.
The collective plea for a ban underscores the importance of fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and inclusivity in the cinematic landscape of the country.
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