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Sammy Rasta blasts misrepresentation of Kumawood at Ashantifest
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Ghanaian film Director and Entertainment analyst Samuel Owusu known as Sammy Rasta has strongly criticized the Ashanti Regional Minister and executives of the Kumawood Ashanti Film Association (KAFA) over what he describes as a persistent misunderstanding of the film industry, particularly the use of Kumawood actors in stage productions.
Speaking with Agyeman Prempeh on Power Entertainment on Power fm/Radio XYZ and TV XYZ, Sammy Rasta expressed disappointment in what he sees as a repeated misrepresentation of Kumawood within the region’s creative arts agenda.
Although, he initially applauded the introduction of Ashantifest in 2025 as a strategic move to promote Kumawood and the broader film industry, he had reservations about attempts to equate Kumawood productions with stage plays.
He explained that while he chose to withhold criticism at the time, believing the initiative needed room to evolve, recent developments have reinforced his concerns.
Reviewing this year’s activity calendar, he noted with “utmost disbelief” that the same approach is being repeated, with Kumawood actors once again featured prominently in stage performances.
He questioned the tangible impact of the initiative, asking what specific film projects the Minister and KAFA have supported or financed since the launch of the festival.
Sammy Rasta emphasized that film and stage play are distinct creative disciplines, each requiring dedicated structures, investment, and strategic direction. He cautioned that the continued conflation of the two undermines the growth and identity of the Kumawood film industry.
He concluded by urging stakeholders to demonstrate a clearer understanding of the sector, stressing that the persistent misrepresentation of Kumawood will no longer be overlooked.
Mr. Alban Sumani Kingsford Bagbin has announced private sector led initiative that will see “Visit Ghana” on the “front of jersey” of Sunderland Football Club for the 2026/2027 football season.
The “Visit Ghana” project is a special marketing drive that will have presence on the front of jersey of Sunderland Football Club during the English Premier League.
Under this initiative, Sunderland FC will have on the front of their jerseys, “Visit Ghana” as part of efforts to drive and promote tourism in Ghana.
“We are entering a formal engagement with them to put Visit Ghana on their jerseys and all paraphernalia.
“We have gone far with the discussions, and therefore they usually showing interest,” Mr. Bagbin stated this at the 37th sitting of Parliament.
Mr. Bagbin explained further that, the initiative is not being sponsored by Parliament, but by the private sector adding that, the project will boost tourism in Ghana.
“This is not being sponsored by parliament. Infact the main sponsor is from the private sector, we are leading under my canopy to get this done.
“The GFA, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ministry of Finance have also been very supportive in this project,” he stated.
The Visit Ghana Front of Shirt Partnership with Sunderland, is expected to make Ghana the first African country to occupy such a position with a premier league club, and also offer global promotion for Ghana through EPL broadcasts, digital platforms and international media channels.
Motorists traveling between Accra and Kumasi are facing major delays today following a serious road crash at Birimso Bridge on the N6 Highway.
The accident, which involved a high-occupancy passenger bus, a loaded articulated truck, and a sedan, has completely blocked both lanes of the highway. As a result, all Accra-bound and Kumasi-bound traffic has been brought to a standstill.
Personnel from the Eastern South Regional Police MTTD, based in Kibi, are currently at the scene managing the situation.
To ease congestion, police have put in place temporary traffic diversions effective today.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
