Agya Koo, a Ghanaian kumawood star, has discussed the factors behind the decline of Ghana’s once-thriving film industry, emphasizing how power outages during John Dramani Mahama’s presidency severely impacted the sector. He pointed out that the frequent “dumsor” disruptions made it difficult for filmmakers to produce and market films, leading to financial losses and a slowdown in the industry’s growth.

“I  won’t shy away from the fact that the power issues during Mahama’s time had a huge impact on our industry,” Agya Koo stated during an interview on Lawson Radio. “Filmmakers depend on reliable electricity to create their work, and without it, production slows down. It contributed to the decline of our industry, and sadly, it wasn’t the only issues ”

Agya Koo’s career has spanned decades, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in the Ghanaian film industry. However, his reflections on the current state of the sector highlight the significant challenges it has faced in recent years.

Agya Koo blames Mahama for the decline of Ghana’s film industry. The actor, known for his roles in Kumawood films, expressed disappointment over how power outages during Mahama’s presidency caused delays in film production, disrupting the industry’s output and hindering its growth.

He acknowledged that while power outages were a major factor, they were not the only reason for the industry’s decline. In his reflections on the sector’s struggles, Agya Koo also addressed rumors about his role in the film world, including claims that he had positioned himself as a “demigod” within the industry.

Those accusations are baseless,” he asserted firmly. “Yes, I played a major part in the growth of Ghanaian cinema, but I didn’t treat myself like royalty. In the beginning, I didn’t even charge for my work. I just wanted to push the industry forward.”

Agya Koo shared that it was only later in his career, after establishing himself as a prominent actor and producer, that he began requesting a modest fee for his work. He clarified, “People need to understand that I wasn’t trying to create a sense of entitlement. But as I became more well-known, I had to take my career seriously and ask for compensation for the work I was doing. That’s when the jealousy started to creep in.”

This statement highlights the complex dynamics in the Ghanaian film industry, where early trailblazers often face both praise and criticism as their success grows, making them central figures in ongoing debates.