FOR Ghana’s creative industry to make a bigger mark on the world stage, creatives must stop working in silos and start joining forces, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, has said.
She said strategic collaborations that brought together different talents, resources and expertise were essential to building a stronger creative industry capable of producing world-class content and competing effectively on the global stage.
The minister made the call at the launch of The 70 Slate, a three-film collaboration between Sparrow Productions and OldFilm Productions, at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Tuesday, September 8, describing the initiative as a fine example of what could be achieved when Ghanaian creatives pooled their strengths and worked towards a common goal.
The three films are The Return of Makunse, scheduled for release in December 2026; Nkrumah’s Red, Gold and Green, slated for July 2027; and I Told You So, expected in December 2027.
The minister commended the two production houses for their vision, professionalism and courage in undertaking a project of such scale, noting that the collaboration reflected the kind of collective effort needed to strengthen Ghana’s creative economy.
“I wish to commend Sparrow Productions and all productions for their vision, discipline, professionalism and courage in undertaking a project of this scale.
Their commitment demonstrates what is possible when Ghanaian creatives dare to dream beyond the ordinary and invest in excellence that can stand proudly on any global stage, “The success of our creative industry depends on our collective constructive collaboration,” she said.” she said.
According to her, the film industry has the power to preserve Ghana’s history, shape national identity and inspire future generations, while also creating jobs, stimulating local businesses and promoting tourism.
“As we prepare to celebrate Ghana at 70, The 70 Slate offers an opportunity to revisit our collective journey as stakeholders, storytellers, as creative entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders.
“We must have an honest introspection, an honest understanding of where we want to go and how we want to get there and the Ministry is committed to spearheading the important aspect of learning,” she said.
Her call for collaboration was strongly echoed by the Chief Executive Officer of National Film Authority (NFA), Kafui Danku, who described the Sparrow-OldFilm partnership as precisely the kind of strategic collaboration the industry needed.
The 70 Slate film project seeks to use film to celebrate Ghana’s cultural heritage, examine the country’s journey and present stories that reflect where Ghana came from, where it is today and where it could be heading.
It is also being positioned as an opportunity to revive cinema culture across the country while attracting diaspora engagement and tourism and projecting Ghana as a major creative force in Africa’s evolving film industry.
According to Kafui Danku, the significance of the project extends beyond the three films themselves, as sustained film production creates employment opportunities for actors, directors, cinematographers, editors, sound engineers, costume designers and other professionals.
The NFA, she noted, had already demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the sector through interventions, including its GH¢20M film development fund, which supported film production, distribution, cinema infrastructure and training.
She said the authority was prepared to support The 70 Slate through facilitation, regulatory clarity, classification support and platforms designed to increase the visibility of Ghanaian films locally and internationally.
