The call for fair pay for Ghanaian dancers has reached a critical point, as Robert Klah, CEO of Dancetera and organiser of the Ghana Dance Festival, urges event organisers, musicians, and creative stakeholders to honour the nation’s dancers with both recognition and proper compensation.
In a cultural landscape where rhythm and movement are deeply rooted in identity, dancers continue to be undervalued despite their central role in performances, cultural celebrations, and viral music trends. Klah’s message is clear: it’s time to give fair pay for Ghanaian dancers the attention it deserves.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz, Klah lamented how dancers are often sidelined.
“Dancers are not just background performers. They are the soul of many hit songs and high-profile shows,” he said. “From Adowa to Agbadza and Azonto, it’s the dance that keeps the cultural heartbeat alive.”
He emphasised that although Ghana has world-class dance talent, the lack of financial investment, structural support, and media representation has held the industry back.
“Mainstream media barely covers dance unless it’s a competition,” he added. “We need dedicated platforms, trained journalists, and consistent coverage to elevate the art of dance.”
Klah also cited the lack of funding and proper event planning as key issues. He believes that empowering dancers through recognition and fair pay will create ripple effects across Ghana’s creative economy.
He ended with a plea to all industry players:
“Let’s treat dancers with dignity. Pay them what they’re worth. Let’s build a culture that celebrates every creative contributor equally.”