Ashanti Regional Minister Leads Charge to Revive Kumawood: Taskforce Presents Comprehensive Roadmap at AshantiFest2025

In a bold and visionary effort to rejuvenate the once-thriving Kumawood film industry, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has launched a strategic initiative aimed at restoring the vibrancy of the region’s creative arts sector.

As part of the broader regional development agenda under the theme “Ashanti Rising,” the minister established a dedicated taskforce to engage with stakeholders, analyze challenges within the industry, and develop a comprehensive roadmap for Kumawood’s revival. The initiative is intended to harness the region’s rich cultural heritage and creative potential to drive economic growth, promote youth employment, and preserve Ashanti identity.

The taskforce comprises a diverse team of experienced filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, actors, media professionals, and policy experts. Their mandate included holding extensive consultations with industry players and providing actionable recommendations to ensure the long-term sustainability of Kumawood.

Speaking during the recently held #AshantiFest2025, Dr. Amoakohene praised the team for their creative energy and teamwork, which were evident in their captivating cultural performance at the festival. The performance, which received widespread acclaim, showcased the power of storytelling and reaffirmed the enduring spirit of the region’s creative community.

“This taskforce exemplifies what we stand for as a region — innovation, collaboration, and resilience,” Dr. Amoakohene said. “Their performance at AshantiFest was not just entertainment; it was a powerful reminder that the spirit of Kumawood is still alive.”

After months of groundwork and research, the team presented a detailed report outlining a strategic roadmap for revitalizing Kumawood. The report emphasizes capacity building, infrastructural development, funding and investment opportunities, policy support, and innovative marketing and distribution strategies.

According to the roadmap, training programs will be rolled out to groom a new generation of actors, directors, and technical professionals, in partnership with local universities and creative institutions. The report also calls for the modernization of film production facilities, the provision of mobile shooting equipment, and the support of community theaters to enhance content creation at the grassroots level.

In addressing financial challenges, the taskforce recommends the creation of an Ashanti Regional Creative Arts Fund and proposes incentives to attract private sector investment and international partnerships. The report further advocates for strong policy backing at both regional and national levels to protect intellectual property and promote local content production.

To boost viewership and industry visibility, the roadmap promotes the use of digital platforms and the participation of Kumawood films in both local and international film festivals.

Hon. Dr. Amoakohene assured the creative community of his unwavering support and urged both public and private actors to join the regional effort to bring Kumawood back to life.

“This is not just about movies. It’s about jobs for our youth, preserving our culture, and telling our stories in our own voice,” he emphasized.

The initiative has been widely praised by industry stakeholders, cultural leaders, and community members who see it as a timely and strategic intervention to revive a sector that once dominated Ghana’s entertainment landscape.

With renewed energy, clear direction, and strong political will, many believe the Ashanti Region is poised to usher in a new era for Kumawood—an era that will reaffirm the region’s reputation as a cultural and creative powerhouse.

Ashanti Rising — and so is Kumawood.