Renowned Ghanaian actor, Fred Amugi has asserted that the proliferation of foreign telenovelas on local TV networks is undermining our cultural heritage.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr. Amugi expressed his concern that the continuous airing of foreign soap operas, even when translated into local languages, is eroding our own cultural identity. He likened it to an Indian actor speaking Twi and worshipping their deities, emphasizing that this trend is detrimental to our future, particularly for our children.

He emphasized the need to shift our focus from embracing cheap entertainment to valuing our own creative endeavours

According to Mr. Amugi, the thriving presence of foreign telenovelas in Ghana can be attributed to the lack of unity and cooperation within the local film industry. This hinders the production of exceptional films that can compete on a continental level. “The Ghanaian film industry requires unity. Currently, everyone is working independently due to the fear of plagiarism.

However, it is important to acknowledge that there will always be someone who knows more than us. By working together, we can create remarkable films that showcase our diverse talents and perspectives,” he stated. Mr. Amugi’s concerns regarding the popularity of foreign telenovelas on local TV resonate with the ongoing debates surrounding the impact of globalization on local cultures.

The interconnectedness of the world has led to the fading of local cultures, as TV stations opt for the simpler and more profitable approach of dubbing foreign content into local languages instead of investing in local productions.

Consequently, this has resulted in the proliferation of foreign telenovelas on Ghanaian TV stations, further exacerbating the decline in local content production.