Veteran actor Agya Koo has urged Ghanaian filmmakers to embrace indigenous languages in their quest for international streaming opportunities, particularly on platforms such as Netflix.
He believes producing films in Twi, Ga, Ewe and Dagbani should not be seen as a barrier to international success, arguing that stories rooted in African languages and cultures can attract audiences beyond the continent.
According to him, Ghanaian filmmakers must resist the temptation to abandon their cultural identity in an attempt to appeal to foreign audiences, as local-language productions can reach international markets through subtitling.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Agya Koo said streaming platforms such as Netflix offered opportunities for African filmmakers to showcase their cultures and languages to global audiences through distinctive storytelling.
He urged Ghanaian filmmakers to take advantage of such opportunities by producing stories that reflect the country's identity rather than relying heavily on foreign languages and cultural influences.
“We cannot abandon our own culture and languages while making other people's cultures more attractive. We must promote our local languages, including Twi, Ga, Ewe and Dagbani,” he said.
Citing his experience in Côte d'Ivoire, where his Twi-language movies have attracted viewers, Agya Koo said language should not prevent Ghanaian films from crossing borders. (Read Agya Koo eyes collaboration with Shirley Frimpong-Manso,
“Whenever I travel outside Ghana, people flock to me because they have watched my films. I am particularly popular in Côte d'Ivoire, where audiences watch movies featuring Wayoosi and me. Some of these movies are subtitled for viewers who do not understand Twi. Isn't that international recognition?” he asked.
He said the experience demonstrated that audiences could appreciate Ghanaian stories even when they did not understand the language in which they were produced.
Agya Koo also called for a code of practice to regulate film production and improve professional standards in the industry.
He said clear guidelines were needed to ensure that producers, actors and other practitioners adhered to professional standards and created content that projected Ghana positively.
“I would introduce a code of practice to regulate film production so that not just anybody can pick up equipment and shoot a movie without adhering to professional standards. We must be intentional about producing movies that uplift the image of the country,” he said. (Read I polished shoes for Hawa Yakubu, MPs before acting— Agya Koo)
He further called for greater recognition of veteran actors and pioneers whose contributions had helped shape the industry.
Reflecting on his era, when he worked alongside actors such as Nana Ama McBrown, Afranie, Wayoosi and Akrobeto, he said their commitment and patriotism helped make Ghanaian films popular in households across the country. (Read Build museum for creatives — Agya Koo to government)
He added that the continued use of his movies by newly established television stations to attract viewers demonstrated the lasting appeal of their work.
