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No Distribution, No Profit: Socrate Safo Explains Challenges Facing Ghanaian Filmmakers

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Veteran filmmaker and creative arts advocate Socrate Safo has painted a worrying picture of Ghana’s film industry, insisting that the sector currently lacks a functioning market to sustain movie production and generate meaningful financial returns for filmmakers.

Speaking candidly on Entertainment Lounge hosted by Roman Fada, Socrate Safo argued that although Ghana is blessed with creative talent and compelling storytellers, the business side of the industry has weakened significantly over the years.

According to him, filmmakers today are operating under difficult conditions where investment recovery has become increasingly uncertain. He pointed to poor distribution structures, piracy, limited cinema penetration, and declining consumer purchasing habits as some of the major factors affecting the industry.

“There’s no market for the movie industry in Ghana currently,” he stressed, noting that many producers now struggle to monetise their projects effectively.

Socrate Safo explained that there was a time when movie production in Ghana was commercially rewarding, with producers making substantial profits through physical sales, television syndication, and strong audience demand. However, he believes the industry has failed to adapt strategically to changing trends in global entertainment consumption.

He also touched on the impact of digital transformation, stating that while streaming platforms and online distribution channels have created new possibilities, many local filmmakers lack the infrastructure and support needed to fully capitalise on those opportunities.

The veteran filmmaker’s comments reflect broader concerns within Ghana’s creative sector, where calls for industry reform have intensified in recent years. Several stakeholders continue to advocate for stronger institutional support, better film policies, improved cinema infrastructure, and increased investment in local productions.

Despite the challenges, Socrate Safo believes the industry can still recover if deliberate efforts are made to rebuild confidence and create sustainable systems that support filmmakers financially and creatively.

His remarks have since sparked debate among creatives and entertainment enthusiasts, with many agreeing that Ghana’s movie industry needs urgent restructuring to compete effectively in today’s evolving media landscape.

For many observers, the issue is no longer about talent because Ghana undeniably has that. The bigger question remains whether the industry can create a viable market capable of turning creativity into a sustainable business.

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Ghana’s Tourism Sector Soars as International Visits Hit Nearly 1.8 Million in 2025

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Ghana’s tourism industry kept growing in 2025, with more international visitors and local travel, according to the latest Tourism Report from the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The report shows that the industry is recovering well and moving toward steady long-term growth.

The report said Ghana received 1,306,962 international visitors in 2025, a 1.4 per cent increase from the 1,288,804 visitors recorded in 2024. Although the growth was small, it shows that Ghana remains a popular place for business, cultural, heritage, and leisure tourism.

Business travel was the main reason people visited Ghana, making up 31 per cent of all international arrivals. Visits to family and friends came next at 23 percent, showing Ghana’s strong ties with its diaspora and its growing popularity in West Africa. On average, international visitors stayed for 13 nights, and more than 60 per cent had visited before, showing that many travellers enjoy returning to the country.

The United States, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom remained Ghana’s top source countries for visitors. Nigeria recorded the biggest growth among them, with visitor numbers rising by 22 per cent in 2025. Arrivals from the United States increased by 13 per cent, while those from the United Kingdom grew by 7 percent.

Even though more people visited Ghana, tourist spending went down. Average spending per visitor dropped from US$3,742.98 in 2024 to US$3,319.90 in 2025. Because of this, international tourism earnings fell from US$4.82 billion to about US$4.34 billion. The report said there is a need for plans that attract visitors who spend more and for more high-end tourism experiences.

Local tourism remained an important part of the sector’s growth. Visits to 55 tourist attractions across the country reached 1,793,797 in 2025, a 7 per cent increase from the previous year. Ghanaians made up 84 per cent of all visits, showing the growing importance of local travel in supporting the tourism industry.

Among the country’s top attractions, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was again the most visited site, with 302,523 visitors during the year. Kakum National Park came next with 203,222 visits, while Bunso Arboretum received 149,319 visitors. Other popular places included Cape Coast Castle, Manhyia Palace Museum, Accra Zoo, Elmina Castle, and Kumasi Zoo.

The report also showed growth in Ghana’s tourism business sector. The number of licensed tourism businesses increased from 6,702 in 2024 to 7,109 in 2025. This growth included hotels and other accommodation facilities, restaurants and food businesses, entertainment centres, and travel-related companies.

Speaking about the sector’s performance, GTA Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto said the results show Ghana’s lasting appeal and the growing strength of local tourism. She said the Authority is now focusing on attracting visitors who spend more, creating tourism opportunities in all regions, and making sure tourism growth benefits local communities.

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, also praised the sector’s progress. She said it shows Ghana’s commitment to sustainable tourism, protecting culture, and encouraging innovation. She repeated the government’s goal of making Ghana the “Centre of the World” through investments in eco-tourism, community tourism, cultural heritage protection, and creative tourism experiences.

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Ligal Baby Wins Big at Atinka Kids Dance Season 4 Grand Finale

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The atmosphere at the Gamashie Hall (Bukom Boxing Arena) in Accra came alive as young dance sensation Ligal Baby of The Rock School, Darkuman, emerged the winner of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4.

The exciting competition, organised by Atinka TV, started with 30 gifted young dancers from different parts of the country. After weeks of intense performances, evictions, and thrilling moments, the contest was narrowed down to 10 finalists competing for the prestigious crown.

Contestants faced three challenging rounds during the grand finale: Hip Hop, Sponsor’s Identity, where dancers creatively promoted selected sponsors through performance, and an energetic Freestyle round that tested creativity, stagecraft, and originality.

At the end of the second round, Fantastic Two, Afya Pretty, Achiamaa, Ella Baby, and Maggie Vibes exited the competition, leaving Ligal Baby, Abi The Rock Star, Professional Dance Family, Irene Arthur, and KezeeB1 to battle for the top spot.

With confidence, creativity, and electrifying stage presence, Ligal Baby delivered an unforgettable performance that earned the admiration of judges and the audience, ultimately securing the championship title.

For the emerging winner, Ligal Baby received GH¢20,000, products from sponsors, and a one-year professional training opportunity with CRDS Kids under the celebrated Ghanaian dancer Champion Rolly.

Irene Arthur of St. Charles School, Dansoman, secured second place and received GH¢10,000, sponsor products, and a three-month training opportunity with CRDS Kids. Abi, the Rock Star of Perpetual Help School, Alhaji, finished third and walked away with GH¢5,000, sponsor products, and a three-month training opportunity with CRDS Kids.

Professional Dance Family from JABS School, Nungua, placed fourth, while KezeeB1 of Ofosu Aimoako Memorial School, Tabora No. 6, finished fifth. Both contestants also received cash prizes and products from sponsors.

The event attracted a large crowd made up of parents, teachers, dance enthusiasts, and entertainment lovers who cheered passionately throughout the performances.

Atinka Kids Dance continues to establish itself as one of Ghana’s leading platforms for discovering, nurturing, and promoting young dance talents while contributing immensely to the growth of the country’s creative arts industry

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The Energy Man Londona Nie Set for Comeback After Successful Recovery Journey

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Popular Ghanaian media personality Nana Yaw Kumi Jnr, affectionately known in the entertainment space as Londona Nie, is reportedly making a strong recovery after surviving an accident that occurred some months ago on the Kwabenya stretch shortly after work.

The incident, which came as a shock to many fans and industry players, saw the energetic radio presenter rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for immediate medical treatment. Sources close to the presenter revealed that medical professionals acted swiftly to stabilise his condition upon arrival.

Following news of the accident, social media was flooded with prayers, encouraging messages, and support from listeners, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers who expressed concern over his health and recovery.

Thankfully, fresh updates indicate that the celebrated on-air personality is recovering steadily and regaining his strength day by day. Insiders close to the presenter have disclosed that his health condition has improved significantly, with expectations high for his return to the airwaves in the near future.

Londona Nie, who hosts the drive-time and entertainment show on Top 103.1 FM, is widely admired for his energetic style of presentation, humour, and ability to connect with his audience. His absence has undoubtedly left a void among his loyal listeners who continue to anticipate his comeback.

As recovery continues, many supporters remain optimistic and grateful for the progress made so far.

Without a doubt, “The Energy Man” will soon return to the microphone stronger, healthier, and more energised than ever.

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