Idris Elba OBE, a Globe award winning Hollywood actor, has declared his willingness to build a cutting-edge film studio in Ghana.
The British actor revealed his plans with paid a courtesy visit to President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House on Friday, February 3, 2023.
They talked about a variety of topics, including the value of film to Ghana, the country where his mother was born.
He shared a post on his Facebook page from President Akufo-Addo “On Friday, 3rd February 2023, I received English actor, Idris Elba OBE, to Jubilee House, the seat of the nation’s presidency, as part of efforts to promote the “Beyond the Return” initiative. The time has come to engage Africans in the diaspora and all persons of African descent more positively in areas such as trade and investment co-operation, and skills and knowledge development.”
Once described as the sexiest man alive, Idris Elba also discussed plans to build a film studio across Africa and also the need for a comprehensive plan to propel Ghana into the forefront as far as movie-making was concerned.
“Currently, we call it West African Studios, but that’s a working title. We’ve been working on this for three or four years to raise a plan that puts a facility at the centre of African filmmaking. There’s a lot for African filmmaking, but the facilities are lacking.”
Prior to visiting Ghana, the actor visited Tanzania where he held talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Since coming to power, President Akufo-Addo has embarked on a series of reforms in foreign policy, business, trade and investment.
President Akufo-Addo also welcomed Christian Lindner, German Minister for Finance, to Jubilee House where discussions centered on strengthening the ties of friendship and co-operation between the two countries.
Immediately afterwards, a delegation from the Ga Traditional Council was also at the seat of the presidency to inform him about the final funeral rites that have been put in place for the late Queenmother of the Ga State.