Renowned British actor and filmmaker, Idris Elba, has proposed a groundbreaking partnership with the Ghanaian government to create a state-of-the-art film and creative village near Osu Castle. Elba, known for his work in the film industry and commitment to the growth of African cinema, aims to offer a hub for training and employing creatives while promoting local storytelling.
During his visit to Jubilee House, Elba met with President Mahama to discuss his vision. In his statement, Elba emphasized the importance of developing a creative center that would offer both educational facilities and job opportunities. “We want to establish a center that will include schools and creative facilities, ultimately serving as a home for the creative sector,” said Elba, highlighting the potential to nurture local talent.
Elba also stressed that this initiative would focus on providing training and job opportunities for Ghanaian creatives, helping them build the skills necessary to thrive in the film industry.
President Mahama welcomed the proposal, pointing to the historic significance of Osu Castle as a potential site for revitalization. “The castle has been abandoned for quite a while, but it holds a great deal of historical importance, and we are keen on restoring it,” said Mahama. He also shared plans to complement the film village with a crafts market, where people can purchase African crafts and jewelry, tapping into Ghana’s rich tradition of jewelry-making.
Elba’s proposal also highlighted the need for policies that can attract international film productions to Ghana. “For Ghana to be a viable destination for international projects, we need competitive policies in place, covering everything from equipment imports to labor laws,” he noted.
Both Elba and Mahama emphasized the importance of urban planning for the Osu district, as the new project could bring increased traffic to the area.
This partnership aims to foster the growth of Africa’s film industry while celebrating and promoting local craftsmanship and talent.
