A significant milestone for Ghana’s creative arts sector was marked on Sunday, May 25, 2025, with the official launch of the Ghana Voice Actors Community.

Spearheaded by Prince Dan-Vessel, host of The VO Playbook Podcast, the virtual event brought together leading voices from across Africa to chart a unified path forward for voice acting in Ghana.

Themed “The Future of Voice Acting in Ghana,” the webinar featured panelists Kwesi Busia (British-Ghanaian voice actor), Seraphine Dogbey (Ghanaian voice actor and advertising, marketing communications professional), and Tolu “T-Code” Kolade (Nigerian voice artist, coach, and founder of Voiceover vs Nigeria).

The event tackled key industry challenges, opportunities, and the critical importance of building a thriving community for voice actors.

Opening the discussion, panelists stressed that the time to unite Ghana’s voice actors is long overdue.

“I don’t think now is the best time, I think yesterday or ‘yesteryears’ was the best time. Voice acting has always been here, but the conversation around community hasn’t. This is long overdue,” Seraphine stated.

Kwesi Busia emphasised that technological shifts, particularly with AI, are changing the industry globally and Ghana must not lag behind.

“The industry is evolving. If we don’t build a community now, we risk getting left behind,” he said.

T-Code echoed these sentiments, citing how “Voiceover can be a very isolating journey, especially here in Africa. Communities help you grow faster, get feedback, and share opportunities. We need this now more than ever”.

Prince Dan-Vessel, who moderated the event, outlined the vision for convening this community.

He noted that “This community exists to help voice actors support each other, share opportunities, and spotlight the talent we have in Ghana”.

A recurring theme was the wealth of untapped opportunities both locally and internationally.

“Voiceover is a global business,” said Kwesi Busia. “You can be in Ghana and work for clients around the world if you’re visible and well-positioned.”

Seraphine Dogbey highlighted that many Ghanaian businesses, including advertising agencies and production houses, are in need of professional voice talent but often don’t know where to find them.

In this regard, T-Code encouraged voice actors to be proactive about seeking opportunities rather waiting for them to appear.

In his opinion, “Voiceover is a business enterprise. Don’t wait, pitch yourself. Create your own pportunities. And remember, local languages are cash crops”.

Key Challenges Facing the Industry

Despite promising prospects, several pressing challenges remain:

● Misconceptions About Voiceover
Many clients see VO as “just talking,” which undermines its value. “It’s a major hurdle; we have to educate the market,” said Seraphine.

● Access to Equipment and Studios
Professional studios are expensive and scarce. Home setups are crucial, especially for auditions.

● Lack of Industry Structure
There’s no standard rate card or formal association to advocate for voice actors’ interests.

● Weak PR and Public Perception
The industry suffers from low visibility and recognition as a professional career.

“We need to present ourselves better and treat voiceover as the serious business it is,” added Kwesi.

Career Building: From Skill to Sustainability

Panelists offered concrete strategies for growth:
● Keep Learning - Podcasts, online courses, and events help sharpen skills.
● Start Simple - You don’t need a million-dollar setup. Entry-level gear can work if used
wisely.
● Mentorship Matters - Learning from experienced professionals speeds up your
development.
● Market Yourself - Branding and visibility are key. Use professional emails, social media,
demo reels, and a clear online identity.
● Pitch Actively - Reach out to potential clients and don’t wait to be discovered.
● Build Reputation - The more professionals show up consistently, the more the industry’s
value will rise.

Protecting Your Voice in the Age of AI

As AI voice cloning grows, concerns about voice protection were addressed. T-Code discussed tools like Voice123’s voice signature system and the NAVA AI contract rider, which can be used to safeguard your vocal identity.

Kwesi added that while cloning requires vast amounts of data, platforms are improving their detection and prevention capabilities.

What’s Next for the Ghana Voice Actors Community?

The event marked the beginning of sustained action. Monthly webinars will now be held every month, with training programs, industry dialogues, and mentorship initiatives underway.

“We’re building something long-lasting. Something that supports both new and established voice actors,” said Prince Dan-Vessel. “It’s time Ghana had a voiceover industry it could be proud of.”