Veteran Ghanaian actor Fred Amugi has stated that internal divisions have hindered the growth of the film industry and prevented it from reaching its full potential.

Speaking to GhanaWeb’s Patience Adu on the sidelines of the funeral of late actress Beverly Afaglo, he attributed the industry’s challenges to what he described as an “if it is not me, it can’t be anybody” mentality, which he believes has created unnecessary divisions among stakeholders.

“This ‘if it is not me it can’t be anybody’ attitude has divided our front. She kept asking, ‘What are we doing? What are we doing? What are we doing?’ But when things don’t go the way people want, they just back out,” he stated.

Fred Amugi reflected on the state of the industry and the legacy the late actress left behind.

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According to him, one of Beverly Afaglo’s greatest desires was to see a stronger and more united film industry, particularly through a vibrant Actors Guild that could compete with others across Africa.

“She would have wanted the Actors Guild to get far ahead in Africa. But I think we are now at the bottom in Africa. It does not bode well at all for our industry,” he said.



Reflecting on Beverly Afaglo’s passing, Fred Amugi described her death as a huge loss, recalling that he first got to know her through her elder sister, Princess, with whom he worked in theatre before becoming close to the family.

“It is a big blow to hear that Beverly, among the lots, is gone,” he said.

Despite the grief, the veteran actor urged Ghanaians to trust in God’s will.

“We will cry because we loved her, but the One who brought her into the world loves her even more. He has every right to call His daughter home when her work is done. We should grieve but also have faith because it is a path we shall all travel,” he said.

Fred Amugi also shared his thoughts on whether veteran actors like himself receive the recognition they deserve after decades of contributing to Ghana’s movie industry.

He said while accolades come in different forms, he is content with the love and respect he receives from the public.

“It depends on how you define celebration. People see me, appreciate me and treat me with so much respect. That alone tells me what they think of me. I’m not expecting everything in the world. Whatever little I get, and the genuine happiness people show me, I’m okay with it,” he added.

@theghanaweb

Beverly would have wanted the Actors Guild to be far ahead in Africa

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