Jackie Appiah
Ghanaian screen star Jackie Appiah has called on Ghana’s film industry to take a page from Nollywood’s book, saying the country needs far more people working behind the camera if it wants to bounce back. Speaking at the Pete Edochie Legacy Project in Accra, the actress said Nigeria’s strength lies in its large pool of scriptwriters, camera operators and other crew, and she urged talented young Ghanaians to stop hiding and start pitching their ideas to producers.
What Jackie Appiah Said
Jackie Appiah did not shy away from the hard truth about the state of Ghanaian movies. She admitted that production levels have dropped compared to the industry’s busier years.
“Of course, the industry has gone. We’re not producing at the same volume like we used to produce,” she said, according to MyJoyOnline.
She was quick to add a note of hope, however: “but we’re picking up gradually, and I hope that more producers, more investors will come in and help the industry grow.”
The Nollywood lesson
Drawing on her experience acting in Nigerian productions, the star said what stands out in Nollywood is the size of its workforce behind the scenes.
“In Nigeria, they have so many scriptwriters. They have so many people who are willing to do their job, you know,” she explained.
“It’s not just about being in front of the camera,” she added. “They have behind-the-scenes too. They have jobs behind the scenes.”
A message to young creatives
Jackie Appiah then turned her attention to young Ghanaians with skills that the industry needs. Her advice was simple: put yourself forward.
“If you’re there and you’re talented; you know how to write scripts, you are a creative camera person, costumier, don’t hide. Look for a producer and share your ideas. I think it will help the industry grow,” she said.
Quick Facts
- Who: Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah
- Where she spoke: The Pete Edochie Legacy Project in Accra
- Event date: Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra
- Main message: Ghana should build a bigger behind-the-scenes workforce, as Nollywood has done
- Roles she named: Scriptwriters, camera operators and costumiers
- Her donation: GH¢20,000 to the Legacy Project
About the Pete Edochie Legacy Project
The event where Jackie Appiah spoke was a major moment for both Ghanaian and Nigerian film. The Legacy Project, an initiative by King-Dawie Publishing, honours personalities whose work has shaped Ghana’s creative arts. It has run for about two years, with past honourees including Grace Omaboe (Maame Dokono), Asamoah Gyan, Fred Amugi and Adjetey Anang.
This year, the project went Pan-African for the first time. Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie became its first non-Ghanaian honouree, with Nigeria chosen as the first stop of the expansion. The gala on October 4 also served as the official launch of the Pete Edochie Legacy Project.
Project Manager Kelvin King-Dawie explained the choice: “Looking at his life and the contributions he’s made to African cinema, I felt he’s well positioned to be celebrated.” He also hinted at where the project could head next, saying, “Kenya is most likely for the next stop.”
Awards, tributes and gifts
Dr Maxwell Nana Yaw Palasco Boakye, the Western Regional Representative on Ghana’s Council of State, presented awards to Pete Edochie, Fred Amugi and Grace Omaboe. Maame Dokono received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Ghana’s entertainment industry.
Jackie Appiah and entrepreneur Maame Gold each donated GH¢20,000 to the project, while watch brand Caveman presented Edochie with a customised timepiece bearing his image.
Tributes flowed for the man many know for his iconic role as Okonkwo. Jackie Appiah described him warmly: “He’s like a big father.” Veteran actor Fred Amugi said, “I have never met him in person before, but I have admired Pete from afar.” Pru East MP Emmanuel Kwaku Boa felt the honour was overdue, saying Edochie “should have been eulogised and celebrated more than what we are doing today.”
The Moment That Went Viral
Beyond her speech, Jackie Appiah also won hearts online for a simple gesture at the gala. A clip showing her kneeling to greet Pete Edochie spread widely on social media, with Nigerian fans especially touched by the show of respect.
One fan wrote, “Thank you Ghana for treating our king with so much love and respect.” Another commented, “This hand shake is not ordinary. And this man is very wise.”
Why Her Words Matter Now
Jackie Appiah’s comments land at a time when Ghana’s movie industry is under the spotlight. During the same visit, Pete Edochie appealed to President Mahama to fund local filmmakers, calling Ghana his second home and urging leaders not to let the industry die.
The debate over pay and production between the two countries has also been heated. Nollywood veteran Kanayo O. Kanayo recently told Ghanaian actors to stop demanding the same pay as Nigerian stars, while Kumawood star LilWin opened up about the unpaid balance he owes Nollywood actors on his film A Journey to Africa.
Against that backdrop, Jackie Appiah’s focus on crew, writers and investors offers a practical path forward rather than another round of rivalry. As one of the few stars who has thrived in both industries, her view carries weight.
Final Word
Jackie Appiah’s message is clear: Ghana’s film revival will not come from actors alone. It will need writers, camera crews, costume designers, producers and investors working together, just as they do in Nollywood. With the Pete Edochie Legacy Project bringing both industries under one roof, her call for young creatives to step out and share their ideas could not have come at a better time.
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