For the first time in the history of Ghanaian filmmaking and film awards, the country, in 2025, witnessed a ceremony that did not merely seek relevance, but one that commanded attention across the African continent.
Founded by acclaimed Ghanaian actress and CEO of Smarty’s Productions, Selassie Ibrahim, the event was named the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA), and true to its name, it was regal in every sense of the word.
From organisation to presentation, REFFA announced itself not as another local award scheme, but as a serious continental platform capable of competing with Africa’s most established film institutions. However, beneath the glamour of that historic night lay a moment that was both symbolic and deeply unsettling.
The ultimate prize, a brand-new Toyota vehicle, did not remain in the home country of the festival’s founder. Instead, it was proudly cruised away to Nigeria by the cast and crew of the film 3 Cold Dishes, as Ghanaian submissions watched the taillights of the vehicle fade.
Even Selassie Ibrahim appeared stunned when the announcer boomed the winning film 3 Cold Dishes-Nigeria into the microphone. In all honesty, can you blame her? Which founder and executive director of such an event wouldn’t wish for a victory in their home country?
It was a difficult moment. But perhaps even more difficult is the growing possibility that history may be auditioning for a repeat performance.
Two nights ago, Africa once again turned its attention to the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, which unfolded in a blur of glitz and cinematic triumph at the Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos, Nigeria.
Once again, Ghana walked away empty-handed. Not a single Ghanaian film, actor, or crew member secured a win.
Honestly, anyone who watched the competing films would understand the scale of the challenge. The productions were bold, technically refined, and artistically daring. They were not mere entries. They were cinematic statements that left audiences spellbound long after the credits rolled. And herein lies the uncomfortable question Ghana’s film industry must now confront:
If films like 3 Cold Dishes, which swept through REFFA and drove away with the ultimate prize, still struggled to stand tall among the winners at the AMVCA, then what exactly is Ghana preparing to present at this year’s edition of REFFA in December?
That question should disturb us all, because seven months away from the next edition, one cannot confidently point to a strong wave of Ghanaian productions capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the calibre of films emerging from other industries across the continent.
The maiden edition of REFFA generated significant attention across Africa. Filmmakers everywhere are now aware that Ghana is building a serious awards platform. This year, submissions will arrive fiercely competitive, determined to shine on Ghana’s stage, but is Ghana equally prepared to defend that stage?
If urgent steps are not taken, we may once again find ourselves handing over another set of car keys to another foreign production while local filmmakers watch from the sidelines. What a devastating image that would be. Should that happen, the conversation will no longer be about our potential, it will be about our hesitation.
Talent and creativity have never been Ghana’s problem. What has remained elusive is consistency, investment, urgency, structure, and above all, the collective determination to build an industry capable of competing at the highest continental level.
The spotlight is slowly turning toward Ghana. The only question now is: when that moment arrives, will we be ready?
The Writer, Nurein Abass, is a Broadcast Journalist (GHOne TV / Starr FM), an Actor, and a Producer.
Disclaimer: This opinion piece reflects the personal views of the author and does not represent the editorial stance of starrfm.com.gh.
