Ghanaian comic actor Clemento Suarez has called on stakeholders in the comedy industry to focus on developing stand-up comedy across all regions of the country.
He emphasized that although stand-up comedy has gained more recognition recently, one of the best ways to expand its reach is by empowering comedians nationwide. Suarez shared this insight during an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
He explained, “Those who are already in the spotlight can occasionally bring others up, but stand-up comedy should be treated as a decentralized effort. Just like how President Mahama has local DCEs, MPs, and regional ministers handling different constituencies, we can have comedians in various regions maintaining their presence. By empowering them, we can ensure that even when a show is held outside Accra, it will still be a success.”
Suarez went on to highlight the importance of supporting regional comedians, noting that doing so would make it easier to hold successful events across the country.
Additionally, comedian Oh Joo shared his experience of being impressed by a talented Hausa comedian he met at an event. Suarez, Oh Joo, and Lekzy DeComic, who also appeared on the show, advised that regional comedians do not need to always present their material in English. Instead, they should study the demographics of their audiences and adjust their content to suit local preferences.
Over the past few years, the Ghanaian comedy scene has seen significant growth in terms of audience engagement and visibility. Stand-up comedians in Kumasi and Accra now attract large crowds to their shows. In 2024, more than 20 stand-up comedy specials were held in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, a promising development after years of limited interest in Ghanaian comedy.
Today, Ghana’s stand-up comedy scene is home to notable comedians like DKB, Jacinta, Ebenezer Dwomoh, Ranzy Ray, Smile, Kwaku40, Kojo Pjay, Oh Joo, Papa Yaw, Putogo, Foster Romanus, Jerry Ashinyo, Kwame Obed, MJthecomedian, Comedian Warris, Lekzy DeComic, Afia Barcelona, and Ato Pah.