'Make things better now you're in power' - Fred Amugi tells Gardiner

Veteran actor Fred Amugi has urged the leadership of the National Film Authority (NFA), James Gardiner and Kafui Danku, to improve the film industry, noting that they previously criticised the former administration.

In an interview on MX24 TV, the veteran actor said that while James Gardiner and Kafui Danku were in opposition, they raised concerns about how the NFA was being run, and now that they are in charge, they are expected to make things better.

“The very people sitting there now were part of those who were saying that the last administration is not working. So now that you are there, we are expecting you to make things work,” he said.

As the National Film Authority (NFA) takes steps to revamp and restructure several long-abandoned cinema houses in the capital as part of efforts to restore Ghana’s cinematic heritage and boost local film exhibition, Fred Amugi said he had already had conversations with James Gardiner and therefore sees the initiative as a positive move if it succeeds in bringing back cinema culture.

Stage acting keeps me alive – Fred Amugi

“Somebody like James, this topic, we have sat and discussed it. So, if James has now gotten the seat and the power to bring those things back, it is for the better,” he noted.

Executive Secretary of NFA Kafui Danku-Pitcher and Deputy Executive Secretary James Gardiner recently led a board inspection tour of historic but currently inactive film venues across Accra.

The tour included the Roxy Cinema in Adabraka and the Orion Cinema at Circle, both of which have been closed and dormant for years.

The National Film Authority also assessed other former cinema houses such as the Rex Cinema and Oxford Cinema during the exercise.

In videos shared by the leadership, the delegation highlighted the current dilapidated state of the venues while expressing determination to restore their functionality.

The officials described the move as symbolic and strategic, aimed at recovering, restoring, and reimagining these facilities as modern cinema and creative arts centres.

@mx24gh Veteran actor Fred Amugi to James Gardiner, the NFA, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture You criticized the last administration, now you are in power, make things better. #mx24gh #funfearlessfactual #TheAMClub #FredAmugi ♬ original sound - MX24