Rocky Dawuni Says Neglect of Local Content Is Hurting Ghanaian Creatives

Rocky Dawuni has warned that Ghana risks undermining its creative economy if local films and music continue to receive less attention than foreign entertainment content.

The musician argued that the persistent preference for foreign productions is limiting opportunities for Ghanaian creative professionals to develop their careers and earn sustainable income from their work.

Dawuni said the challenge cuts across the entertainment industry—from the films shown on television to the music played on radio and promoted on streaming platforms.

He questioned how local talent could flourish when audiences are constantly exposed to foreign productions while Ghanaian creative works struggle to secure comparable visibility.

“The movies we play, where are they from? They are not movies that will help the actors in our country make a living,” he said, adding that the industry was effectively directing energy towards other countries’ economies.

He also criticised the influence of international music platforms on local listening habits, arguing that Ghana should develop stronger systems for identifying and promoting its own musicians.

For Dawuni, the issue is not simply about encouraging people to consume Ghanaian content out of patriotism. It is about building a sustainable industry in which local artists, actors, filmmakers and other professionals can benefit economically from their skills.

He emphasised the importance of showcasing the diversity of Ghanaian music, including traditional and culturally distinctive styles that may not always receive mainstream attention.

Dawuni’s concerns highlight the role of broadcasters, music promoters, streaming platforms and policymakers in shaping the future of the creative sector.

He argued that a more deliberate commitment to local productions would give Ghanaian talent greater opportunities to grow, attract audiences and compete beyond the domestic market.