Celebrated Ghanaian actor Fred Nii Amugi has reignited the debate surrounding the detrimental impact of broadcasting foreign series on Ghanaian television, characterising the trend as a vehicle for cultural imperialism.
He warned that the high consumption of dubbed telenovelas actively undermines traditional Ghanaian values and poses a direct threat to local film production.
During an interview with Eddie Ray on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Amugi argued that constant exposure to these programmes diminishes local cultural identity and heritage, particularly among children and young adults.
He specifically expressed concern that the depiction of foreign religious practices—such as the worship of multi-armed deities—will reshape the mindsets of the younger generation, especially when presented in local dialects.
Reflecting on the struggling state of the Ghanaian movie industry, Amugi lamented the lack of support for homegrown talent.
He noted that Spanish and Indian series, some over forty years old, continue to dominate airwaves while local writers with compelling stories are ignored by television channels in favour of foreign content.
“These Spanish and Indian series on our channels—some over forty years old—are running on our screens. We are not even encouraging our own people, especially writers, though they have good stories,” Amugi stated.
“But the television channels prefer the foreign ones. What I am about to say is bound to happen. You know these Indians have a god with some eight hands. Can you imagine an Indian film showing a character bowing to it and performing rituals, and then this film is turned into Akan? We have children watching who do not see them as Indian films but as reality in their minds. One day to come, you will hear your child chanting these things, but it will be too late.”
He further clarified that while foreign content is inherently influential, the specific use of local languages amplifies the risk.
He suggested that the issue would be less severe if the programmes remained in English; however, once dubbed into Akan, the medium serves as a subconscious endorsement of foreign customs as though they were Ghanaian traditions.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
