Peter Sedufia tells government: "Support the film industry to promote tourism"

 Even though succeeding administrations, including the current one led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have always shown a great interest in the expansion of Ghana's tourism sector through initiatives like Year of Return, in his opinion, movies may be a significant factor in the country's tourist business.

Peter claimed that the best means to market a nation and increase tourism were through audiovisuals (movies) in an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, July 4. Regrettably, the industry only becomes important to political players after elections.

Actually, we can't neglect the film sector if we want to promote Ghana's tourism. People will travel to the nation to visit the historical landmarks and natural reserves they have only seen in movies.

The sector, he said, "is unfortunately not encouraged to advance such concerns and only becomes prominent during political elections.

Peter's remarks followed a statement made by American filmmaker Angela White, who stated she was unhappy in the Ghanaian government (GoG) for not supporting her film projects there last year.

The acclaimed director expressed her worries at a panel discussion at this year's Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, which began on Thursday, June 29. She said she is likely to take her next projects to South Africa because of the GoG's purported lack of support.

Angela White pleaded with the GoG to recognize the economic benefits and cultural exchanges that international partnerships bring even though she produced the thriller Nine, which was shot in Ghana last year, and brought in a lot of money for the nation.

Peter said that while Angela White's worries were understandable, similar issues faced by local film businesses were not exclusive to foreign film producers.

"I completely understand her disappointments given that she comes from a location with appropriate infrastructure, including sound government policies to support their job, which are lacking here.

And for that reason, whenever someone has asked me why I don't make a production about Ghana, I've always been honest in my responses. Why should I, and why should that even be my first priority as a businessman and filmmaker?

"I believe that if the audience enjoys what I have to offer, they will pay me. The Government of Ghana should collaborate and support such national initiatives if they want to tell Ghana's story.

In addition, he added, "Angela White's remarks are not new; rather, they are just adding to the ongoing discussions about the government's lack of interest in the Ghanaian film industry."