Ola Michael, a well-known filmmaker and media personality from Ghana, voiced his serious concerns about the high cost of data in Ghana in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb Entertainment.He pointed out how this has a negative impact on the internet streaming of Ghanaian films.Ola Michael, a respected movie producer and director, pointed out that a significant portion of the audience for Ghanaian films online comprises individuals living abroad, as data is more affordable for them.Drawing a comparison to Nigeria, he emphasised that Nigerian filmmakers are thriving by creating content for platforms like YouTube, cinemas, and Netflix, enjoying a substantial audience base.

Addressing the challenges faced by Ghanaian filmmakers, Ola Michael suggested that the high data costs deter local viewers from engaging with longer films on streaming platforms.To counter this, he advised filmmakers to create shorter films, ideally less than 10 minutes, to attract a larger audience.

"If I, as a producer, want to get my film on a streaming platform, let’s say on YouTube, how many Ghanaians are going to watch that film, especially if it’s in 1 hour? Because people will be thinking about how much data they’re going to spend watching this movie," he explained.

Ola Michael underscored the importance of breaking down content for YouTube, urging filmmakers to adapt their approach to match the preferences shaped by data cost concerns.He acknowledged that Ghanaians living outside the country play a crucial role in supporting the streaming of Ghanaian films.

Highlighting the severe impact of high data charges on the Ghanaian film industry, Ola Michael called for increased support and investment in the sector.His statements contribute to the broader discourse on the challenges posed by expensive internet data in the realm of digital entertainment products.