Idris Elba meets President Mahama, proposes Film and Creative Village near Osu Castle

British filmmaker and actor Idris Elba has expressed interest in partnering with the Ghanaian government to establish a state-of-the-art film and creative village along the coast near Osu Castle in Accra.

During a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on March 28, 2025, Elba shared his vision for the project, emphasizing its potential to revitalize the film industry, create employment opportunities, and nurture local talent.

“We remain committed to strengthening Ghana’s creative sector. The location near Osu Castle presents a unique opportunity for this initiative, which we believe will be an essential part of the creative industry’s growth,” Elba stated.

He further highlighted the project's focus on education and job creation, noting that strategic planning was already underway to ensure its success.

President Mahama welcomed the proposal and assured government support in facilitating the initiative while preserving the historical significance of Osu Castle.

“With Osu Castle being a UNESCO heritage site, we cannot make major structural changes, but we are committed to its restoration. Additionally, we are considering a crafts market to showcase and sell African artifacts,” Mahama said.

He also underscored the importance of urban planning to prevent congestion in the area, adding that urban engineers would be engaged to manage traffic flow and infrastructure development.

The proposed film village is expected to contribute significantly to Ghana’s creative arts industry, reinforcing the country’s position as a hub for African storytelling and filmmaking.