Actors Guild Members Refuse Payment of Dues

Ghana Actors Guild as we all know is the only union for actors in Ghana and has it`s aim as serving the common united front for all actors and actresses in Ghana.

It is also to promote, improve and develop the profession of acting in Ghana. The guild also serves as a body to regulate the welfare, training and general issues about actors in Ghana.

With all these intentions, latest rumors making the rounds has it that one major problem the guild is facing which is not helping it to achieve it`s aims and objectives is non- payment of dues by members. This came to our notice after Flex reporters over heard one upcoming actor in a conversation with pals about the happenings in the guild.

The actor not recognizing the presence of media men told his pals that when he visited the actors guild office to make enquiries, the president told him most of the movie stars we see on the screens do not pay their dues mentioning names like Eddie Nartey and the rest.

Getting to the basis of the matter, we contacted the actors guild president Mr. Samuel Odoi Mensah on phone and he told Flex newspaper that he has not discussed any dues issues with any body. He added that it`s not an issue they want to go out with, as to whether it`s affecting them or not.

“Even if the guild has such problems, I don’t think we will go and discus it with any media house or any body. We know how to solve those problems best ourselves. We have lots of things we want to implement after the world cup like a news letter which will aim at promoting our members and to send information about the guild out” he told this reporter.

Since Eddie Nartey`s name was mentioned in the conversation, this writer decided to contact him to get his side of the accusation. He revealed to this paper that he has been a member of the guild for many years and has been paying his dues regularly but along the line he was very busy with school and certain activities.

“I have been part of the guild for many years but because I have been so busy for some time, I did not have much time to even go to meetings but I met the president on set and discussed it with him as to why I have not paid my dues. I don't know why somebody will talk about the fact that I have not paid my dues. I have explained it to the president and he has understood me, so what`s their beef” he told Flex newspaper.

Meanwhile, most of the movie stars we contacted did not want to talk on this matter whiles others said they are not even members of the only guild in the country. If only the president will corporate with Flex newspaper, we will publish details of all the actors who owe the guild.