Dennis Boateng, CEO of the Ghana Comedy Awards, has called on the government to give more attention and support to the comedy industry, which he believes holds massive potential for driving national growth and tourism.
Speaking on Daybreak Hitz with DJ Slim, Mr. Boateng said comedy could become a major cultural and economic asset for Ghana if properly harnessed.
“I think the government should go beyond looking at creatives in a certain way. When it comes to comedy, comedy is big. Trust me, if you pay attention to it, the music that is selling Ghana, the tourism that is selling Ghana, it will blow up. The comedy will blow up Ghana,” he said.
He noted the absence of a dedicated comedy event under the Black Star Experience, suggesting the introduction of a Black Star Comedy Festival to fill that gap.
“I did a little check. I saw the Black Star Movie Festival, I saw Black Star Theatre, but I didn’t see a Black Star Comedy Festival. I think that is a platform where we can actually do something nice for a weekend,” he noted.
Proposing a three-day festival, Mr. Boateng envisioned a celebration that brings together different facets of comedy and entertainment.
“We can have comedy theatres, comedy skits, comedy movies, stand-up comedy, jugglers, magicians – let’s put them all together for one weekend and say we are doing a Black Star Comedy Festival. It will be mind-blowing. This will put Ghana on another pedestal on the world market. It’s a big deal. Anyone listening can look at it. The government should also pay attention to it,” he concluded.
Mr. Boateng’s call adds to growing advocacy for diversification in Ghana’s creative arts investment. According to him, with the right support, comedy can emerge as a powerful tool for cultural promotion and economic development.
Meanwhile, this year’s Ghana Comedy Awards is scheduled for May 24, 2025, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.