Renowned Ghanaian actor and film producer, Ekow Smith Asante, has joined the ranks of filmmakers who believe that acting in Ghana alone cannot afford one the luxury of owning a house in East Legon.
According to Ekow, the financial rewards of acting in Ghana are not substantial enough to enable film actors and actresses to acquire properties in East Legon, a highly esteemed location known for its opulence in Ghana.
During a recent radio interview with Fiifi Pratt, Ekow expressed his views on the extravagant lifestyles portrayed by some actors and actresses on social media, which are often aimed at projecting a lavish image to their fans and the public.
Expanding on his point, he emphasized that relying solely on acting would not enable filmmakers to own properties in East Legon. Instead, he suggested that the only feasible way for these individuals to afford such properties is through favors from prominent figures or by receiving gifts from others.
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Ekow clarified that he is not implying that his colleagues are incapable of owning a house in East Legon, but rather, it would take a considerable amount of time for them to be able to construct a building in that location.
He stated, “Somebody can give me something because of my particular role in a movie. With gifts from people, it can support you to build, but I think it will take a very long time without it. How much are you paid, GHc10, 000, Ghc20, 000, Ghc30, 000 or what?”
In a previous publication, Ghanaian actress turned fashion designer, Pascaline Edwards, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that solely relying on the movie industry as a source of income would not provide individuals with the necessary resources to build a house or start a business.
She advised young and aspiring actors to be resourceful by having a side hustle that can generate income, even if their film careers are not thriving.
Edwards emphasizes that the movie industry can help establish one’s brand and lead to lucrative ambassadorial deals which is one good way to make some cool cash, but one relying on income from acting alone is not sufficient.
“The movie industry propels you to a certain level. It gives you a brand. You may get Brand Ambassadorial deals and endorsement which can be lucrative but the income from the movies and set is inadequate,
“If you have to sell groundnut and maize as your regular day job do that and add the acting as your side hustle because it’s really a hand-to-mouth industry.” she said.
She believes that the income from acting alone in Ghana is insufficient even to build a house.
“Whoever in the industry says they’ve made a fortune from making movies is a liar,” she added.
