The Ghana Actors’ Guild, (GAG)and Actors Guild of Nigeria, (AGN) signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, 14 July 2011 to end the much speculated controversy on working relationships between Nollywood and Gollywood that came
up recently.
The signing ceremony was conducted in the conference room, Ministry of Chietancy and Culture, Accra Ghana by the two Presidents respectfully.
The Host President, Sam Nii Odoi Mensah of Ghana Actors Guild, could not hide his joy and happiness as he openly confessed to pressmen that it was one of the greatest moments of his life and major milestone achievements of his administration. Also his counter Mr. Segun Arinze Aina, President Actors Guild of Nigeria bared his mind on the new development, as he asked their detractors to leave them alone and let them concentrate on their creative work.
Part of the twenty-two paragraphed MOU, is to provide conducive working environment, protect the interest and cater for the welfare of the Actor between the two countries.
Also Actors are to obtain Production Information Form, PIF, before leaving their country to work in either of the two countries.
No payment of money and or work permit was included in the MOU but members were mandated to get clearance from their home Guild.
It was earlier speculated that both Ghana and Nigeria introduced stiff conditions for Actors and Producers who come to work in their respective countries.
The two Guilds equally agreed to jointly embark on some developmental projects such as, trainings, seminars, symposia, productions, sourcing of funds and organize other socio cultural activities.
The MOU which takes effect from thursday, 14 July 2011 was witnessed by key Executive members of AGN, including Messrs, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, National Sectretary and Abubakar S. Yakubu, National PRO, as well as all Exco members of GAG and notable actors in Gollywood.
It is hoped that with the coming together of the Actors from both countries, other practitioners such as Producers, marketers/distributors would take a cue and resolve all contentious issues amongst them so as to create a healthy and mutually beneficial working relationship aimed at developing the motion picture industry in the sub region.
Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu
National P.R.O
Actors Guild of Nigeria
