Two giant Ghanaian production houses, AI Media and Lemon Tree, the film unit of the Antique Lemonade Art Space are set to tell the story of migration in an exciting way.

The documentary dubbed: OMO Ghana - Man for Chop is an evocative documentary feature film that delves into the expulsion of Ghanaians from Nigeria 40 years ago.

The idea was birthed in November 2023, when the Antique Lemonade Art Space was commissioned to curate a host of creative activities, including interviews, talks, podcasts, art exhibitions and art competitions to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the expulsion of over 1 million Ghanaians from Nigeria, in 1983.

The commemorative project, which was to convert academic work into creative activities, was commissioned by Professor Akosua Darkwah, Dr Geraldine Asiwome Ampah, from the University of Ghana, and Dr Faisal Gariba, from the University of Cape Town and The African University, Sharjah.

Speaking on the partnership signing event, the Managing Director of AI Media, Kwame Boadi said the documentary is not only about remembering and documenting the tumultuous events which unfolded in 1983 for future generations but also, to throw light on the topical subject of migration in general.

He indicated that, by fostering a deeper understanding of the complex motivations behind migration, the documentary aims to break down stereotypes and prejudices, encouraging a more compassionate and informed perspective on this universal phenomenon.

“The documentary is an eye opener; more importantly to say that the grass is not always greener elsewhere. We should look within first” Mr. Boadi added.

He said they started shooting the documentary in January and are hoping to finish by June for a roadshow in Ghana and abroad.

For her part, Chief Executive Officer of Lemon Tree Publishing, Franka-Maria Andoh said the collaboration with AI Media is perfect for them because it underlines what they stand for as an art space

 “Creatives in this space tend to be working individually because we want all the glory and visibility but such collaborations gives you more reach” she stated.

She said the Omo Ghana documentary is to serve as a source of reference so that “20 years down the line, our grandchildren will watch it and know what happened in 1983”.

Franka-Maria Andoh said OMO Ghana - Man for Chop is for us to learn from our mistakes as a people and make sure this does not happen again.

“If we are all tolerant and kind, I think the world would be an amazing place” she added.