Ga Mantse Calls for African Cinema to Champion Local Heroes, Shift Narrative from Western Media Portrayals

In a powerful appeal at the second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit (ACS), Ga Mantse, King Tackie Tsuru II, urged the Ghanaian government to channel more resources into storytelling that elevates Ghanaian heroes and preserves cultural heritage through cinema. Speaking through media personality Nathaniel Attoh, the Ga Mantse specifically highlighted the story of legendary boxer Azumah Nelson, calling him a cultural icon whose achievements represent both inspiration and African pride.

King Tackie Tsuru II emphasized the critical role cinema plays in shaping national identity, calling on African filmmakers to prioritize the stories of homegrown talent. "The story of Azumah Nelson, a son of Ga-Dangme lineage and one of Africa's most accomplished athletes, should be told vigorously," the king stated. He suggested that such narratives could inspire future generations and offer a projection of African potential on the global stage.

The Ga Mantse's remarks resonated with the broader theme of this year's summit, which focused on the relevance of cinema in African communities. The king also stressed cinema’s capacity to contribute to economic empowerment and social transformation, calling it a "vital tool for cultural preservation."

At the core of his message was a challenge to African filmmakers to reshape global perceptions of the continent. Referring to negative portrayals of Africa in international media, King Tackie Tsuru II called for an intentional shift away from depictions of distress and poverty. "Those unfortunate images, particularly those of post-genocide Rwanda, overshadow the remarkable progress made by African leaders like President Kagame. Cinema can and should correct that narrative," he urged.

The king's call for narrative change aligns with growing discussions about the impact of Western media on Africa's global image. He highlighted the potential for cinema to serve as an agent of change, presenting the continent's rich heritage, resilience, and future aspirations.

"We must move beyond the reductive images of hardship and instead tell stories that reflect the African way—our struggles, victories, and dreams for the future," the Ga Mantse stated.

The Africa Cinema Summit, organized by Ghana’s National Film Authority (NFA) in collaboration with several key African cinema organizations, featured high-profile dignitaries including Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer. This year’s summit was headlined by Hollywood actor Idris Elba, who lent his support to the cause of building a robust African cinema network.

As the summit draws to a close, it is clear that the calls for reimagining African stories are not going unnoticed. With a growing audience and international partnerships, the future of African cinema looks promising—anchored in heritage, empowered by stories like that of Azumah Nelson, and set to redefine Africa’s global narrative.

The Africa Cinema Summit will culminate with a Legacy Award ceremony later today, further reinforcing the event’s role in promoting African talent and cinema.