Audio By Carbonatix
The stakeholders in the comedy industry believe Ghana would advance and gain global attention if the required financing and attention is committed.
Both seasoned and upcoming comedians have continually pushed to change the comedy business over the years but are of the opinion that industry players must also step up their efforts to consolidate their efforts.
Comedian Foster Romanus told Graphic Showbiz in an interview that the industry has a lot of potentials but also need appropriate funding to completely establish the comedy space and place the nation on the international map.
For him, stand-up comedy in Ghana is not much to boast about compared to other countries like Nigeria because there has not been the necessary investment and deliberate effort to sustain the industry.
According to him, government and other relevant parties have not yet given the comedy industry their full attention, hence the inability of the industry to thrive and gain global recognition.
He said "I do not think comedy has caught the eyes of government yet because the support has not been forthcoming. Investments should not only be in the form of funding but also making sure there are avenues for performers."
"But even in the area of having avenues for performances, we cannot say much about it. There is only one National Theatre for performers and when they have to look for space to perform, it becomes a problem," he added.
Foster Romanus emphasised that even though certain business institutions had provided some form of support, more could still be done.
"Currently, some corporate entities are investing in comedy, and we greatly appreciate them for doing so. But more is required. We require investors who can assist us promote Ghana Comedy throughout Africa and beyond," the comedian noted.
Foster Romanus expressed optimism about the chances for up-and-coming artists, saying that they had a chance to refine their abilities and that the future is bright for fresh talents.
He said attempts were being made to even maintain the craft, and as a result, space has been made available for up-and-coming comedians to hone their skills and pick the brains of established comedians.
"There is the opportunity for young acts to hone their skills and so the likes of OB Amponsah, myself and other seasoned acts try our best to share stage with the upcoming ones to build them up for the bigger stage."
Additionally, he encouraged his industry peers to continually invest in their professional development in order to secure the necessary backing and funding from investors.
"I consider desire to be similar to an investment. We must work hard to maintain the consistency of our stagecraft. You should realise that investing in what one does yields rewards much beyond one's greatest expectations,” Foster Romanus reiterated.
Latest Stories
-
Richard Lawson reveals the purpose that sustained his decades-long acting career
23 minutes -
Photo Story: Vice President visits Accra fire scene, donates relief items to victims
25 minutes -
Which way Nigeria? Ballot or bullet: The politics of insecurity and the future of democracy
26 minutes -
Police nab man over attack on Midwife at Tema Polyclinic
43 minutes -
AMA supports Tudu fire victims with GH₵106,000 relief package
45 minutes -
Turning trash into opportunity: EcoGreen empowers 109 youth, women and vulnerable groups in Techiman
47 minutes -
Adversity doesn’t defeat us: Our response to it does (World Cup’ 2026 on my mind)
1 hour -
Christian Council seeks copy of amended anti-LGBTQ+ bill for legal review
1 hour -
SSNIT pension scheme is sustainable, can pay benefits for next 40 years – Director General
1 hour -
‘A man will never marry a man here in Ghana’ – Hassan Tampuli vows
1 hour -
GRNMA demands national policy to protect nurses and midwives following assault at Tema Polyclinic
2 hours -
Ghana wastes up to 45% of its tomatoes. A homegrown brand thinks it has the answer.
2 hours -
Ghanaian-American sentenced to 17 years for leading US$38m global email fraud scheme
2 hours -
EXIM Frozen Foods Association opposes proposed reintroduction of Smart Port Note system
2 hours -
Selling single cigarette sticks is illegal – FDA
2 hours