Hollywood based Ghanaian-American actress and filmmaker Aba Arthur says Ghana is on the verge of becoming a major force in global cinema, but only if local creatives work closely with those in the diaspora to build a sustainable and authentic industry.
Aba, who has starred in Black Panther Wakanda Forever and The Colour Purple, believes Ghanaians abroad have a responsibility to support the industry at home. She stressed, “Those of us in the diaspora are here to learn and eventually return. If we continue to develop our careers outside without contributing back, the country will face challenges in progressing.”
She insists that deliberate partnerships between Ghana based filmmakers and their counterparts abroad are essential for progress. “Africans in the diaspora should not solely rely on local players for the development of the movie industry,” she said. “It is crucial that we unite to establish the infrastructure that will attract investors and key stakeholders.”
Aba said collaboration is the bridge that links talent to opportunity. “By merging the technical expertise of the diaspora with the creativity and originality present in Ghana, we can create something truly impactful.”
In an interview with reporter Noah Nash Hoenyefia, she spoke about her journey from Ghana to Hollywood, her return home, and her commitment to strengthening Ghana’s creative sector through storytelling, mentorship, and joint projects.
Authenticity Is Ghana’s Winning Formula
Discussing the rise of Nollywood, Bollywood, and the Korean K drama industry, Aba argued that Ghana must embrace cultural authenticity if it hopes to gain global recognition. She said Nollywood succeeded by remaining true to its roots. “When watching a Bollywood film, one can immediately identify its Indian origins. Ghana must adopt a similar approach, narrating our stories in a manner that reflects our unique culture,” she said.
Aba cautioned filmmakers against adjusting their cultural narratives to meet foreign expectations. “It is essential that we do not alter our perspective merely to satisfy global platforms such as Netflix. Instead, we should focus on establishing our own standards, and in doing so, the world will take notice,” she stated.
She added that strong storytelling must sit at the heart of Ghana’s film vision. “A compelling script is the cornerstone of success. When there is a strong narrative, investors will be inclined to engage. The challenge, therefore, encompasses not only securing financial backing but also ensuring consistency, fostering collaboration, and maintaining a clear focus on our goals,” she said.
The World Is Watching Ghana
Fresh from serving as a juror at the Black Star International Film Festival, Aba expressed admiration for the originality and depth she witnessed among Ghanaian filmmakers. “The stories I encountered were genuine and impactful. They serve as a reminder that Ghana possesses the talent to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in Africa and beyond,” she said.
Her work extends beyond film into the fast growing music and theatre scenes, where she directs music videos and live shows. “Music is a form of storytelling as well. If we infuse the same authenticity into our music as we do in film, we will successfully maintain our identity across all artistic expressions,” she added.
Aba also believes Ghana is ripe for investment. “Africa remains a largely underutilised resource, yet the opportunities are substantial. The world is increasingly attentive to us. This is a pivotal moment for our continued growth and recognition,” she said.
Standing at the Edge of Something Extraordinary
Aba hopes to mentor young creatives in Ghana and partner with institutions such as the National Film and Television Institute. “I want to talk to students and help them see what they can achieve,” she said. “We are on the edge of something amazing.”
She said she wants Ghanaians to view her not only as a Hollywood actress, but as someone working to shape the future of the country’s creative industry. “I want the Ghanaian people to see me again,” she said with a smile. “Not just as an actress, but as someone dedicated to uniting our artists and taking Ghana’s film industry to the world.”
My Heart Has Always Been in Ghana
Aba Arthur was born in the United States of America and lived in Ghana briefly as a child before relocating permanently to the USA. She began working in entertainment at a young age. “My family relocated to the U.S. during my childhood,” she recalled. “I pursued a degree in acting and performing arts at university, and immediately after graduation, I entered the film industry in Hollywood.”
Her two decade career spans acting, writing, directing, and producing. She founded The Ohemaa Project, her production company, and produced and starred in her debut film, The Womb.
Aba says her goal now is to pour her knowledge and resources into the Ghanaian industry. “My objective is to utilise the knowledge and expertise I’ve acquired in Hollywood to contribute meaningfully to my home country,” she said. “Ghana is rich in talent and creativity; however, the structure of the industry requires further development. Together, we can work towards achieving this goal.”
Source: KumasiMail.Com/NoahNash Hoenyefia
