Veteran Ghanaian actor Majid Michel, has described comparisons between Ghana’s and Nigeria’s film industries as unfair, arguing that differences in population size and industry infrastructure make it unreasonable to expect the two countries to produce films at the same scale.
Speaking in an interview with AJdahottest on Y107.9FM’s ‘ShoutsOnY’ show, the Things We Do for Love star responded to concerns about the perceived decline of Ghana’s film industry, particularly at a time when Ghanaian music continues to gain international recognition.
“I think the problem now becomes the comparison between we and Nigeria, which is such a stupid comparison to make,” he said.
To illustrate his point, Michel compared the two countries’ populations to families of different sizes.
“If you have 50 children and I have five children, the possibility that you have more doctors amongst your children than mine is very high,” he explained.
He noted that Ghana has over 30 million in population size, compared with Nigeria’s “almost 300 million”, arguing that Nigeria’s larger population naturally creates greater potential for film production and output.
Majid also challenged claims that Ghana’s film industry was dying, questioning the basis for such assertions.
“Who told you it’s going down?” he asked, adding that films were still being produced in Ghana.
He further argued that the music industry had made significant progress because artistes could monetise their work through streaming platforms, a revenue avenue he believes remains a challenge for filmmakers.
“If we shoot the film today, where are we showing the film? That’s a problem,” he said, highlighting the need for better distribution and exhibition opportunities to support the industry’s growth.
Michel urged industry practitioners to be patient, continue building the sector, and focus on their individual contributions rather than being distracted by comparisons with other countries.
“You need to have patience, and we need to build,” he said, encouraging practitioners to “focus on your thing” and pass their knowledge and experience on to the next generation.
Majid is currently promoting his latest movie, “No Man of God,” an action film in which he plays a pastor with a military background.
The film is scheduled to be screened at the Bukom Boxing Arena on November 13, 14, and 15, with shows at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Regular tickets cost GH¢120 and are available at cinematrain.com or by dialling *7139000#. Each ticket also comes with a product from one of the event’s partners.
Encouraging Ghanaians to experience the film together, Majid said watching a movie in a crowd could make the experience more enjoyable.
“The best way to enjoy a film is if you’re in the midst of people,” he said.
By Emmanuel Nii Annan Armah