Ghanaian Casting Director, Mawuko Kuadzi, has called for a dedicated fundraiser to establish sustainable funding for Ghana’s creative sector, drawing inspiration from the recent World Cup fundraising efforts for the Black Stars.
Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM with Doreen Avio and Kwame Dadzie, the two-time Artios Awards winner said significant funds could be raised for the creative industries if there is deliberate planning and commitment.
Referencing the recent World Cup fundraiser graced by the President John Dramani Mahama, he suggested a similar model could be replicated for the arts, with high-profile involvement to drive support.
“The President should be involved, just as he was involved this time. Also, what has Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale got to do with football? But they used the creatives to raise the funds. If we creatives have Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, and we have other people use them, then [we need to use them too],” he said.
Mawuko added that several influential individuals could support such an initiative if approached.
“See there are a lot of people who can invest in film. If you call someone like Despite that you are raising money for film, I am sure these people will understand. They will donate. But we haven’t done it and these people have shown us the way and I don’t think we learnt. This is an example, Ibrahim Mahama will give us money,” he added.
He noted that such a fund could be channelled into producing a world-class film capable of earning Ghana international recognition at awards such as the Oscars.
On the proposed GH¢20 million allocation to the film industry in the 2026 budget statement, Mawuko cautioned against distributing the money among multiple filmmakers.
Instead, he suggested the funds should be invested in producing a single film that tells Ghana’s story on a global stage.
Mawuko Kuadzi is a renowned international Casting Director, based in Ghana, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to discovering exceptional talent and placing them in roles that elevate projects. He has done casting for Beast of No Nation, Treadstone, Black Earth Rising, Azali, The Fisherman and NFL Superbowl commercial Born to Play.
He has won consecutive Artios Awards, including Best International Feature for The Fisherman. Before that he had won Best Casting for a Commercial at the 40th Artios Awards for the NFL Super Bowl’s Born to Play.
He is the first West African member of the Casting Society of America (CSA).
Mawuko Kuadzi has also managed talents such as Abraham Attah and musician Worlasi.
