Veteran Ghanaian filmmaker and creative arts advocate Socrate Safo has shared a sobering perspective on the current state of Ghana’s movie industry, claiming that many modern-day producers have never experienced the level of financial success that once existed within the sector.

Speaking during an interview with Roman Fada on Entertainment Lounge, Socrate Safo reflected on the industry’s golden era, describing a time when movie production was highly profitable, and producers could confidently invest in projects with expectations of strong returns.

According to him, the structure of the industry has changed dramatically over the years, making it increasingly difficult for filmmakers to generate substantial revenue from their productions.

“The current crop of movie producers haven’t seen money in the industry,” he stated, emphasising that many younger producers entered the business at a time when the commercial systems that once supported filmmaking had already weakened.

Socrate Safo explained that in earlier years, producers benefited from strong movie distribution channels, high audience demand, and booming physical sales. He noted that the industry once created significant economic opportunities for actors, directors, marketers, and production teams alike.

However, he believes piracy, poor distribution systems, inadequate investment, and changing viewing habits have gradually affected profitability within the sector. According to him, many producers today struggle to recover production costs, making sustainable filmmaking increasingly challenging.

The veteran filmmaker also highlighted the impact of digital transformation on the industry, arguing that while online platforms and streaming services have changed content consumption globally, many Ghanaian filmmakers are still trying to adapt to the evolving landscape.

His comments on Entertainment Lounge have reignited conversations about the need for stronger support systems for Ghana’s film industry. Stakeholders continue to call for improved infrastructure, investment opportunities, effective copyright enforcement, and policies that promote local film consumption.

Despite his criticism of the current state of the industry, Socrate Safo remains hopeful that Ghanaian cinema can regain its strength if deliberate efforts are made to rebuild the business side of filmmaking.

For many observers, his remarks serve as both a reflection on the industry’s past success and a warning about the urgent need to create a sustainable future for the next generation of movie producers.

Ghanaian Creative Arts Business Development and Intellectual Property Consultant who doubles as a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Dr Oduro Arhin, popularly known as (Bnoskka), has issued a formal apology to The Church of Pentecost over earlier comments surrounding the Police invitation of Francis Amo in a copyright infringement case.

In a press release, Bnoskka retracted his previous claims, acknowledged inaccuracies in the information he relied on, and affirmed that the church acted within its legal rights under the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690).

The presser reads,

I want to use this platform to offer a sincere apology and clarify statements I made regarding the Church of Pentecost (COP) and the police’s invitation of Francis Amo for copyright infringement.

Following a meeting with the General Secretary and other officers of the Church of Pentecost on one hand, and Minister Francis Amo and his team, on the other hand, at Headquarters of the Church of Pentecost, La, Accra, concerning the copyright infringement issue involving Minister Francis Amo, I wish to make the following clarifications:

1. I apologise to the Church of Pentecost for stating that the church didn’t authorise individuals who reported Francis Amo to the Accra Regional Police. I acted on incorrect and inadequate information from Mr Ola Michael. COP did authorise the invitation of Francis Amo to the Greater Accra Region Crime Office to assist in the investigation for copyright infringement.

2. I apologise for confirming Mr Ola Michael’s claim that the COP’s Chairman wasn’t aware of the report.

3. ⁠I apologise for asking COP to apologise to Christendom for causing the invitation of Francis Amo. The church acted within its rights under section 43 of ACT 690 of the Copyright Act 2005 with respect to the provisions relating to criminal remedies.

4. ⁠I regret any inconvenience and any negative implications that my statements would have emanated to the leadership, representatives, and membership of the Church of Pentecost at large. I hereby retract previous statements and acknowledge COP’s rightful actions.

Signed,

Dr. Oduro Arhin (Bnoskka)

Gospel musician Florence Obinim has hit back at critics who believe she is living a lifestyle contrary to the message in her song, Osoro Ne Me Fie.

Background 

Recently, many critics have argued that although she preaches repentance and modesty, her lifestyle appears to contradict the message of the song. This follows narratives shared by some netizens about her appearance and the numerous properties she and her husband have acquired, which they claim go against what the song preaches.

Speaking on Max morning show on Max TV, the host Akosua Takyiwaa asked what her response would be to netizens who believe she is overly focused on worldly possessions, contrary to the message in her song.

Mrs. Obinim stated that people who are wise and knowledgeable in the Word of God understand the true meaning of the song and would not condemn it.

“Excuse my words, those who are shallow thinkers in the Word of God may not understand you, so I’m careful with how I speak. That ‘Osoro Ne Me Fie’ song is based on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Bible, which I used to create the song. When Jesus came, He often spoke in parables. In Matthew 6:19, He said something from which I drew inspiration for the song.

She continued to argue that the song does not condemn wealth or property acquisition, but rather cautions people against placing worldly possessions above God. According to her, the message of Osoro Ne Me Fie is rooted in seeking God first before everything else.

“I’m saying this for people watching me to understand. I know that pastors who are wise and knowledgeable will never condemn ‘Osoro Ne Me Fie’ because they understand its message. They even know more than what I am about to say. The song advises people not to chase properties and rely solely on them, making them more important than God. Rather, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and He will add the rest, including all your needs. That is the message the song conveys.

Addressing concerns about her family’s wealth and properties, Mrs. Obinim maintained that their success came as a result of remaining faithful to God despite life’s hardships. She stressed that their possessions are a testimony of seeking God first, not a contradiction of the song’s message.

“Regarding the property aspect, I went through life’s struggles and never compromised my faith. God has now blessed us with all the properties we have because we sought the kingdom of God first.”