Ghana Movie Awards Controversy Begins

Even before the release of nominations for the first ever Ghana movie awards scheduled for December 25 this year, organizers of the event have been accused of scheming to manipulate the criteria for selecting the overall winner.

Sources close to the organizers say a number of movie producers have expressed concern that Fred Nuamah, the Executive Producer of the awards, has close relations with some particular stakeholders in the movie industry so his neutrality is being doubted.

Some of these producers, who are not members of the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), have reportedly raised red flags that FIPAG could influence the awards to favor members of the association.

Fred Nuamah, in an interview, said the claims were mere allegations and asked stakeholders to calm down. He also promised that the awards would be free and fair.

According to him, his outfit would have nothing to do with who won what as that would be the responsibility of a team of 100 members, who represent the various aspects of the movie production process including actors, directors, writers, producers, technicians and visual effects persons, to name a few. The above team, he said, would form the Screening and Nomination Committee (SNC) of Ghana Movie Awards 2010, and the award’s jury.

Over 96 movies have so far been received from various movie production companies. The awards ceremony was launched in September this year at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. Its nominees’ party is reportedly scheduled for November 26 at the Golden Tulip Hotel.

On December 25, the main awards ceremony will roll out at the Accra International Conference Centre, where over 32 golden statuettes will be given to deserving personalities in Ghana’s movie industry.

The overall best actor and best actress would each drive home a new Zotye SUV donated by Feiya Engineering Ghana Ltd. The event also promises to bring together celebrities within and outside Ghana. Last month, a number of Ghana soccer stars endorsed the awards, promising they will be at the main event to support it.