Renowned British actor and filmmaker Idris Elba met with former President John Mahama to discuss plans for advancing Africa’s film industry by establishing an ultra-modern film village near Osu. The initiative aims to revitalize Ghana’s creative sector, providing a world-class hub for filmmaking and talent development.
During the meeting, Elba emphasized his long standing commitment to Ghana’s creative industry, recalling his collaboration with Mahama during the production of Beasts of No Nation.
“We are here to present our vision to you and hope to have a productive conversation. We want to build this film village with you because of your dedication to the creative industry. Having worked together during Beasts of No Nation, we remain committed to boosting Ghana’s creative sector,” Elba stated.
He further highlighted that the proposed facility would not only serve as a premier location for film production but would also include a dedicated school to train and nurture talent in the industry. Additionally, the project aims to create employment opportunities for local creatives.
In response, Mahama reiterated his commitment to boosting Ghana’s tourism and entertainment industry as part of his broader strategy to attract international visitors and generate revenue for the country.
Addressing Elba’s proposal, Mahama noted the historical significance of Ghana’s landmarks, particularly the Osu Castle, a UNESCO heritage site.
“The old castle cannot be altered, but we can restore it to its original state since it has been abandoned for a long time. It holds historical significance as a colonial prison and as a place where figures like Professor Atta Mills and former President Rawlings once stayed. Preserving it could serve as a major tourist attraction,” Mahama explained.
He also proposed incorporating a craft market and a gold souk into the film village, celebrating Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and its legacy as the Gold Coast.
“We envision a space where African craftsmanship can be showcased, and a gold souk to highlight Ghana’s status as a major gold producer. If these elements can be integrated into the film village, it would enhance its cultural and economic impact,” he added.
Elba reaffirmed his commitment to bringing international film projects to Ghana but stressed the importance of strong policies and government partnerships to ensure a stable and conducive environment for the industry.
“In order to attract international productions and create opportunities for the local industry, we need a solid policy framework and government collaboration to demonstrate that Ghana is a reliable and professional destination for film production,” Elba noted.
Mahama acknowledged the logistical challenges that could arise with such a large-scale project and suggested working with urban planners to prevent traffic congestion in the area.
“We need to engage urban engineers to design an efficient infrastructure that prevents gridlock and provides adequate parking facilities. Proper planning will make the district more accessible and appealing,” Mahama concluded
