The Film Act, enacted in 2016, seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the industry, including the introduction of a licensing regime for filmmakers.

The Act would also see the creation of a Film Development Fund and the strengthening of film distribution networks to revamp the local creative industry.

However, nearly a decade later, the LI required to implement the Act has yet to be passed.

Speaking on Luv FM, the filmmaker and producer emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that the passage of the bill will boost the movie industry.

“We need the LI in place to strengthen institutions like the National Film Authority (NFA). Everything the industry is lacking is addressed within this legislation; it is the one-stop solution the film sector needs,” he stated.

Mr. Asamoah further highlighted the pivotal role the film industry could play in promoting Ghana on the global stage, stressing the need for government focus on the sector.

“Government should realize that the film industry can sell Ghana more than probably investing in football,” he noted.

He also observed that despite the lack of public enthusiasm and penchant for local films, Ghanaians in the diaspora continue to value and support local productions.

Reflecting on the industry’s struggles, Mr. Asamoah admitted that filmmakers have sometimes failed to capitalize on new technologies but remained optimistic about future growth.

“We did not take advantage of some technological advancements along the way, but there is more room for improvement,” he said.

He is calling on Ghanaians to show patriotism by supporting local productions.

“Long and short of it is that we need to change our mindset as a people. If we truly want the industry to grow, we have to be patriotic, we have to support our own. Whether good or bad, government has to put in certain structures so that the industry can work and work well,” he urged.

The actor took to his platforms to caution followers not to fall for fake promotions or charity schemes falsely linked to him.

According to him, neither he nor his team is running any such initiatives, and all such claims are scams.

He revealed that scammers are luring unsuspecting individuals with promises of movie roles and event participation, demanding as much as GH₵2,000 for inclusion.

He urged anyone approached by these fraudsters to report the matter to the nearest police station immediately.

Bill Asamoah further warned that anyone using his name to exploit others will face the full rigour of the law.

Bill Asamoah signed off beautifully from the Christian Service University College (CSUC) at the special 46^th graduation ceremony for undergraduate students at the school’s auditorium.

He bagged a Master Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation after securing a first degree in the same course.

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After the event which happened over the weekend, the actor has shared photos to announce his latest feat.

He is grateful his hustle has paid off.

Bill Asamoah is confident his second degree is just the beginning of his next adventure.

In an interview with Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, the actor said there is a Film Producers Association out there making enquiries and speaking to banks and investors, to get support for the creation of a streaming service.

“There is a Film Producers Association out there who are equally looking for investors and have put their business plan out there, so if government should probably help out with a 2 million dollar funding we can get this thing done in no time.” 

In a previous interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A–Z, he said that “we can’t rely on Netflix. Ghana should own a streaming network by now.”

His comments came after movie director and producer, Emmanuel Sarpong, said his movie, ‘Galamsey: Enemies Are Not God’ has been accepted by Netflix. He added that one of the major problems in the Ghanaian movie industry is marketing and advertising their products.

“Imagine if we have a Ghanaian app like that, and having at least 2 million subscribers subscribing on to it, how is it going to be like and what is the revenue going to come out of all this look like? That is where I was looking at, because part of our problems is marketing and distributing that is one of the major problems we face as industry”.

He also mentioned the movie industry needs to make the Ghanaian government understand that filming is what that can help sell Ghana.

“We need government to understand that filming is one of the things that can help sell Ghana instead of the things like this expo and all that we are doing. Because we have got movies out there that is selling Ghana and telling everybody in the world how peaceful Ghana is and this how convenient doing business in Ghana is, I think that would be very easy and it would be an avenue where we would not have to be wasting so much money on,” he said.

He spoke about the promise made by the government to give money to the NFA which they still haven’t received and promising to give funds to the Ghana Tourism Authority which has also not be done.

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Speaking on Showbiz A-Z, on Saturday, he explained that when educated, filmmakers in Kumawood would acquire the technical know-how to produce quality, educational and entertaining movies, to showcase the beautiful cultures in Ghana.

Bill Asamoah told George Quaye that he once petitioned the former Tourism and Arts Minister, Catherine Afeku to facilitate the creation of a performing arts faculty at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and/or an accredited institution affiliated to NAFTI in Kumasi.

He contended that because many filmmakers involved in the production of Kumawood films are in Ashanti Region, they can enroll in the school to be professionally trained in acting, directing, producing, scriptwriting and others.

Bill Asamoah believes Kumawood would experience significant growth once the people at the helm of its affairs are equipped with the needed knowledge.

Since the advent of movie streaming giants, the world has moved from CDs and cassettes to digital distribution, among others. 

He explained that these new forms of selling films have certain requirements that filmmakers need to meet. 

But, because Kumawood is populated with businessmen instead of people who understand filmmaking and can make great content, the industry suffers in terms of quality.

He added that he believes the development of Kumawood would have been exponential if in its early stages, there had been filmmakers and other professionals offering the needed help to people in the industry.

The actor noted that the industry can still have a turnaround if education through workshops, among others, are introduced.

Taking to his Instagram page, he indicated the news was fake and must be disregarded.

Subsequently speaking in an interview, Mr Asamoah revealed his phone has been buzzing with calls from friends, family, colleagues and others in the media space.

But he has not been able to attend to the calls as he was on set.

However, he noted he was calm about the situation, adding his only problem was his family who were worried, panicked and wouldn’t stop calling him.

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The actor further revealed this is about the fourth time such news has been reported about him.

Watch the video attached for more:

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He said some filmmakers have resorted to selling phones for survival and leaving the ‘dying’ industry to its fate.

The actor explained that with the current transition from CDs to digital market, most non-contemporary producers have been found wanting, and rather than starve, they have injected their monies into different ventures.

One of such is the phone business. He said some producers travel far and wide to buy goods, in a bid to gather quick returns.

His claim was corroborated by colleague Clement Bonney, widely known in Showbiz as Mr Beautiful, during a discussion with host Sister Sandy of the Ahosepe Xtra show.

On how to revive the industry, Mr Asamoah explained that filmmakers must be educated that the digital space is a very good market, adding that transitions are inevitable.

Adding his voice, actor Akrobeto said the movie industry can struggle, but it will never die.

These assertions have come up after Lil Win, Kwaku Manu, Bill Asamoah, among other stars clashed on United Showbiz programme last Saturday to discuss issues pertaining to the downfall of Kumawood.

According to Akwaada Nyame, Lil Win’s non-appearance on Kwaku Manu’s ‘Aggressive Interview’ was solely a management decision.

“Management didn’t like the way the interview was going to be conducted. We realised that appearing on the show could damage our brand considering the issues during those moments thus regarding his former manager and wife,” he said in an interview.

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• Akwaada Nyame further explained that he was surprised that Mr Asamoah demanded a script before making an appearances on the highly anticipated ‘Cocoa Season’ TV series.

“Bill Asamoah had twice featured in Lil Win’s movies where he never demanded scripts. So I was surprised about his claim about the lack of professionalism on the part of Lil Win,” he revealed.

He added that Lil Win had good intentions of making the Kumawood Industry vibrant again that is why he decided to involve all actors as well some music stars to give the series that needed attention.

The photo was posted by Mr Asamoah to eulogise himself for how he has changed his life for the better.

” Ei, God has indeed been good,” were some comments that came under the photo of a young Asamoah, looking very serious in his tucked-in shirt and tie.

It appeared the photo was taken at least a decade ago.

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Actors Prince David Osei, Samuel Degraft Yeboah and actress Nana Ama Mcbrown joined fans of Mr Asamoah to thank God for his elevation.

The minister in a Facebook post revealed the actor was unanimously nominated by members of Kumawood [the local movie industry] after months of deliberation.

The actor took his appointment letter as Tourism Ambassador on Wednesday, February 6.

Madam Afeku stated, “Speaking with Bill, he revealed he was going to ensure the promotion of Ghana to the world through quality movies, and enhance the business aspect of film making to attract investors.”

Bill Asamoah is also the President for the Ashanti Regional Chapter of the Ghana Actors Guild. The actor is known for his roles in Kumawood movies like Sundiata, Kae (Remember) and The Mighty One.

According to the minister, Mr. Asamoah also intends to promote Government policies and agenda through Ghanaian films.

In 2017, the Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Tourism Ministry unveiled 30 ambassadors from different aspects of the creative industry to spearhead the “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana” campaign.

Some of these ambassadors included, SP Kofi Sarpong, Fancy Gadam, D-Black, Reggie and Bollie, Nana Ampadu, Agya Koo, Okyeame Kwame, Sena Degadu and Lucky Mensah.

Madam Afeku, said the aim of the Tourism Ambassador programme, was to partner influential persons to help drive tourism growth in and outside the country.

In her Facebook post, she assured Bill Asamoah, the Nana Addo-led government has not neglected the people of Kumasi in terms of Tourism, Arts and Culture development.

“We are trying our very best to make the industry attractive for both local and foreign investors to want to invest,” she added.