Veteran Ghanaian actor Kofi Adjorlolo has set the record straight on the origins of Ghanaian actors’ fame, insisting that it was the Ghanaian movie industry—not Nollywood—that gave them their first breakthrough.
Speaking on The Real Talk Podcast with Elizabeth Essuman, Adjorlolo emphasised that Ghana’s film productions had already made household names of local stars before Nigerian filmmakers began recruiting them for Nollywood projects.
“Ghana made us popular. Nigerian producers only came in after realising the remarkable talent here,” he said.
Adjorlolo further argued that Ghanaian actors possess a natural edge, citing their ability to deliver spontaneous performances—even without a script. He pointed to fellow actor Amankwah, who joined him on the show, as an example of this raw talent.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s well-known business acumen and drive, the celebrated actor maintained that Ghana deserves full credit for nurturing world-class talent. He referenced big names such as Majid Michel, who rose to stardom through Ghanaian cinema before transitioning to Nollywood.
“Ghana has always had the talent. Nigerians recognised it—and that’s why they came for us,” Adjorlolo stressed.
His comments are likely to reignite conversations around the rivalry and collaboration between the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries, two powerhouses shaping Africa’s entertainment landscape.
By Emmanuella Antwi
