Idris Elba, the British actor and filmmaker, was formally honoured as a son of the Ga land by King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II during a ceremony at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra, Ghana, on March 25, 2025. The event celebrated Elba’s contributions to the African diaspora and his ongoing efforts to invest in Ghana’s burgeoning creative industries.
Elba’s visit was marked by traditional Ga drumming, dancing, and an elaborate display of local culture. He was greeted by Justice Naa Yaale, Chief of Staff to the Ga Mantse and daughter of Ghana’s independence hero, Ako Adjei, in a ceremony that underscored the actor’s growing ties to the country.
During the event, Elba outlined his plans for a major film studio and training facility on 22 acres of land adjacent to Osu Castle, a site with significant historical and cultural relevance. “One of my goals is to bring the film industry back to Africa,” Elba said. “This project will offer young Ghanaian creatives the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a vibrant and dynamic entertainment sector.”
The proposed studio, which aims to serve both as a production hub and an educational institution, is intended to elevate Ghana’s position as a leader in African cinema. The project also seeks to provide training and employment opportunities for local talent, addressing a gap in the country’s creative sector.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed strong support for Elba’s initiative, noting the importance of such projects in fostering economic development and social progress for Ghana’s youth. “Our youth are in need of direction, and these tools will give them the foundation they need for success,” the Ga Mantse remarked. “We fully support this endeavor and its potential to reshape the future of our creative industries.”
The event was attended by key figures from Ghana’s entertainment world, including actors George Nii Armah, Chris Attoh, Kalsoume Sinare, and Adjetey Anang. These prominent individuals, along with others from the local creative community, expressed enthusiasm about the impact the new studio could have on the sector’s growth.
Elba’s project comes at a time of increasing global interest in African film and culture, signaling a new era of investment in the continent’s creative economy. If successful, the studio could become a significant player in the rapidly evolving African film industry, positioning Ghana as a key hub for both regional and international productions.
Source:TheDotNews