British-Ghanaian actor Idris Elba has unveiled plans to establish a world-class film studio in Accra, a move that could revive Ghana’s struggling movie industry and position the country as a global film destination.
During a ceremony at the Ga Mantse Palace, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II honored Elba as a son of Ga land, recognizing his contributions to the African diaspora and his commitment to developing Ghana’s creative arts sector
The Big Vision: A Film Hub for Africa
Elba announced that 22 acres of land beside Osu Castle has been allocated for the state-of-the-art studio and film school, designed to train, employ, and empower young creatives. This initiative aligns with his long-standing goal of bringing the global film industry back to Africa
“Africa has untapped potential in film. This project will not only create opportunities for Ghanaian filmmakers but also attract international productions, boosting our economy and global influence,” Elba said.
What This Means for Ghana’s Film Industry
For years, Ghana’s movie industry has struggled due to limited funding, lack of infrastructure, and weak distribution networks. The absence of major production hubs has forced many filmmakers to seek opportunities abroad, stalling local content creation.
With Elba’s proposed studio, Ghana could reduce reliance on foreign film locations, keeping more film productions in-country and attracting global investment and collaborations from Hollywood, Nollywood, and beyond. There are also opportunities for job creation as thousands of jobs can come from acting to post-production.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II praised Elba’s efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for such creative infrastructure. He urged stakeholders to rally behind the project, ensuring its success benefits the broader Ghanaian film industry.
Industry figures such as Chris Attoh, Kalsoume Sinare, and Adjetey Anang, who attended the event, expressed optimism that the studio would revitalize local cinema, create Ga-centered content, and boost Ghana’s global visibility.
