Veteran actor claims Prez Akufo-Addo suggested industry new name 'Gollywood'

Veteran actor Bob Smith claims the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, suggested the new name for Ghana’s film industry.

According to the executive member of the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), the industry’s new name 'Gollywood' was the President's attempt to help improve the industry in Ghana suggested the name.

He made the claims following the public bash after the industry was renamed last week.

A few years ago, Ghallywood was used to refer to the Ghanaian movie industry, however, it came to light that that name had been registered as a school – Ghallywood Academy of Film Acting, founded by William Nana Owusu-Akuffo.

"One thing I know is that President Akufo-Addo said it and said that he wants to bring up a vibrant film industry. He mentioned Hollywood, Nollywood and this gave us the impression that he has accepted a name that follows that line," he told Hitz FM.

President for Film Directors Guild of Ghana (FDDG), Richard Boateng, who spearheaded the rebranding from Ghallywood to Gollywood said those disassociating from the suggested name are only sabotaging him and his organization.

"They have their reasons for backing off...I was disappointed when I saw this statement signed by FIPAG. Something happened some years ago and I feel I am been sabotaged.

"I don’t know why they also want me to consult everybody before I take a decision with my organization," he added.

Gollywood takes after America’s Hollywood, India’s Bollywood and Nigeria’s Nollywood.