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Sammy Rasta blasts misrepresentation of Kumawood at Ashantifest
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.
The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Abena Osei Asare has expressed concerns about the failure of the Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Mr. Paul Adjei to honour invitation of the Committee to assist in dealing with abandoned projects cited in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report.
She emphasised that some of the projects have been abandoned for more than 20 years and it kept reoccurring in the Auditor-General’s report yearly, stressing that the GETFund Administrator could assist by prioritising these projects.
However, he has failed to personally appear before the Committee since the commencement of the Committee’s public hearing in the 9th Parliament.
According to the 2024 Auditor-General’s report on Pre-University Educational Institutions, nine (9) Institutions with 16 projects awarded by the GET Fund Secretariat had been abandoned/delayed for a period ranging between three (3) and 28 years.
Some of the affected schools include Adanwomoase Senior High School (Boys and Girls dormitory abandoned for 12 years), Atoa Senior High School (Home Economics Block abandoned for 27 years), Beposo Senior High School (Dinning Hall and Kitchen Complex abandoned for 10 years and lastly KNUST Senior High School (Three storey classroom block abandoned for 20 years).
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy continued its oversight responsibilities with a working visit to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) yesterday.
Chairman of the Committee, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, said the visit formed part of efforts to familiarize members with the Authority’s operations and to explore ways Parliament could provide the necessary support.
He explained that the NPA’s work is focused on regulating Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, a critical area for national energy security.
Mr. Bedzrah noted that the Committee is particularly interested in assessing whether the country has adequate petroleum stock to meet demand.
He noted that rising geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing US–Iran conflict, could have adverse effect on Ghana’s energy supply and pricing.
He further disclosed that the Committee intends to engage closely with the Authority on a proposed new petroleum bill.
According to him, a draft of the legislation will be reviewed and possibly presented to Parliament under a certificate of urgency.
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