The Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority (NFA), Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, has called for a deliberate effort to elevate Kweku Ananse, the iconic character from Ghanaian folklore, as a hero for the nation.
Speaking at the awards ceremony for the NFA’s The Script Bank Project in Accra, Ms. Asante highlighted the disconnect between Ghanaian youth and their cultural heritage.
She expressed concern that many young people are more familiar with foreign superheroes like Superman than with Ananse, a figure deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture and folklore.
“We need to be deliberate about promoting our own heroes and characters. Ananse is a beloved figure in our folklore, and we should celebrate him as a hero who embodies wisdom, cunning, and resourcefulness,” she emphasized.
Ms. Asante also urged the reframing of Ananse’s image, often portrayed negatively, into a symbol of pride and identity for young Ghanaians. She believes this approach can inspire a sense of cultural empowerment and heritage preservation.
The event showcased the creative potential of young storytellers. Over 300 scripts were submitted to The Script Bank Project, encouraging writers to craft stories about Ananse. Nana Akosua Asieduaa Asare won the top prize of GHS 5,000 with her script “The Seamless Heist”. Adusei Gabriel Kwarteng placed second with “Meet Kwaku Ananse”, and Kobby Owusu Cole came third with “The African Messiah”, receiving GHS 3,000 and GHS 2,000, respectively.
This initiative reflects NFA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers while encouraging the rediscovery and celebration of Ghanaian folklore.