‘We’re on course of reviving Kumawood, Ghana movie industry’ — Actor Emmanuel Asiamah

Ghana's once thriving twi-speaking movie industry known as Kumawood is showing signs of recovery thanks to efforts by young actors, according to award-winning actor Emmanuel Asiamah.

Kumawood, based in Kumasi, was previously a strong force in Ghanaian cinema, alongside rival Ghallywood.

However, in recent years the industry has struggled with diminishing audiences and revenues.

"We are committed to reviving Kumawood and making it vibrant and attractive to movie enthusiasts once more," Asiamah wrote via X on Sunday, February 11.

“By revitalizing Kumawood, we hope to revive the entire Ghanaian movie industry,” added the filmmaker who is also a philanthropist.

According to Asiamah, he and other young actors are working tirelessly alongside veteran colleagues to inject new energy into the sector.

Their goal, he said, is to sustain the legacy of iconic Kumawood stars and ensure the struggles of actors like Agya Koo, Paa George and Mercy Asiedu do not go to waste.

"We cannot idly stand by while legendary actors struggle to go waste," Asiamah stated.

Asiamah is calling on the government, investors and Ghanaians to support the revival through funding, streaming films online, and television viewership on channels that promote local content like DSTV Akwaaba Magic.

"Their support is critical to the industry's survival," he emphasized.

If Asiamah and his peers succeed in reenergizing Kumawood, he noted, it could help lift Ghana's entire movie industry from its recent slump.

With several highly successful movie roles under his belt in the last few years, Asiamah has become a leading figure in the new generation of Kumawood talent.

He has collaborated with many respected directors and actors on films like 'Yantah', 'Odasanii' and 'Love Me or Not'.

Since his entry into the scene, the Adansi Akrokerri-born actor has also worked with many legendary and experienced actors, producers and directors such as Kojo Nkansah, Ellen White, Matilda Asare, Dr. Likee, Ama Oduma Odoom, Kofi Adjorlolo, Fiifi Robertson and others.