Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo has called out her fellow celebrities who attend lavish parties just for the sake of fame, stating that this behavior is one of the reasons why the Ghanaian movie industry remains stagnant.
In an interview on The Career Trailprogram on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, the actress expressed her frustration with how many celebrities waste opportunities to engage with wealthy individuals who could invest in local films.
“Sometimes I blame some of the actors and some of the celebrities in Ghana because we know all these rich people and they call you to parties. You are going to that party for free. I am going to buy my dress myself, I am going to transport myself, I’m going to call a makeup artist for GH500 or more, and I am going to show myself at your party to give you a name. And these people, you are not able to convince them to produce a movie or to invest in our craft. But they want to use us to get a name,” she explained.
She also critiqued individuals who invite movie stars to high-profile events without ensuring that the host offers something in return, pointing out that it is the celebrity’s presence that adds value to the occasion.
“This is our job. You can’t just invite me to grace your event and think that because we’re friends, that’s enough. Yes, there are friends who are like family, and for them, you can do it. But with others, especially when you know the person is a wealthy individual, it’s different.
“When these rich people call you and ask you to bring me, as a friend, you should also make sure to tell them, ‘At least give her something in return.’ What do you need me there for, if not to add prestige to the event? And what do I need to be there for, if it’s just to eat food that I already have in my house?” she remarked.
According to the actress, no one attends a big event in Nigeria without returning home with an envelope.
She emphasised that celebrities, especially actors, who attend parties solely for fame without using the opportunity to promote their craft or persuade influential figures to invest in it, are wasting their time.
“It doesn’t happen in Nigeria. Nobody goes to any big event without getting an envelope. But here in Ghana, most people go to event because they want to be among. I think it’s a waste of time, waste of money. The person is using you,” she said.
The Career Trail is a career and entrepreneurship development programme designed to feature conversations with accomplished Ghanaian entrepreneurs, sharing their stories with young learners who aspire to follow in their footsteps.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
