President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to remove all foreign films from the presidential jet, reaffirming his strong commitment to promoting Ghana’s movie industry.

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Speaking at the launch of the Black Star Experience at the Black Star Square on May 1, 2025, the president said only Ghanaian films would be allowed to screen aboard the presidential aircraft under his directive. According to him, the move is part of a renewed effort to showcase and support local creativity and talent.

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Mr. Mahama recalled implementing a similar initiative during his tenure in 2012, when the presidential jet exclusively featured Ghanaian productions. He now intends to bring the policy back.

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“This was something I started when I was president. I instructed that only Ghanaian movies should be shown on the presidential jet, and I’m going to issue the directive again,” he said. “The jet is currently undergoing servicing, but when it returns, I’ll ask them to take out all foreign films and replace them with Ghanaian ones.”

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The president shared a fond memory of watching a humorous Kumawood movie starring actors LilWin and Van Vicker, reinforcing his admiration for local filmmakers and actors.

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“I remember a very interesting scene with LilWin and Van Vicker. Van Vicker had been attacked by armed robbers, and LilWin and his wife found him lying there. When asked where he came from, LilWin said he was a white man who had fallen from a plane. These are the kinds of creative stories we must continue to support,” he recounted.

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Mr. Mahama further stated that Ghana has the talent and stories that deserve global recognition, and promoting such content must begin at home.

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His comments come at a time when stakeholders in the creative arts sector have been advocating for greater government support and recognition. The former president’s renewed stance is expected to add momentum to the ongoing push for the growth and sustainability of Ghana’s movie industry.

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