Celebrated by Ga Land, Idris Elba Launches Film Studio Initiative in Accra
Renowned British actor and filmmaker Idris Elba returned to Ghana on March 25, 2025, in a historic visit to pay homage as a son of the Ga land under the reign of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II. His homecoming was marked by a grand ceremony at the Ga Mantse Palace, where he was honored for his contributions to the African diaspora and his commitment to the development of Ghana’s creative industry.
Upon his arrival in Accra, Elba was warmly welcomed by Justice Naa Yaale, Chief of Staff to the Ga Mantse and daughter of the late Ako Adjei, one of Ghana’s revered Big Six independence heroes. Her presence highlighted the deep historical and cultural significance of the occasion, symbolizing a connection between Ghana’s rich past and its promising future.
The atmosphere at the palace was electric, with drummers, dancers, and a vibrant display of Ga culture.
“One of the goals I have tried to achieve is to bring the industry back to Africa,” Elba stated passionately. “We have earmarked 22 acres of land beside Osu Castle for a fantastic studio and school that will serve our community in Accra.”
His announcement was met with resounding applause, as he detailed his vision to create a world-class film studio that would not only provide training and employment opportunities for young Ghanaian creatives but also serve as a major hub for African cinema.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, recognizing the importance of this initiative, pledged his full support for the project.
“Our children lack direction, our youth lack direction, and we need these tools,” the Ga Mantse declared. “So, coming in to put up a studio and to partner with us is the way forward. That is why we will support it absolutely so that the creative arts industry, especially, creating Ga content can move to its next step.”
The event was attended by several high-profile figures from Ghana’s entertainment industry and beyond, including celebrated actors George Nii Armah, Chris Attoh, Kalsoume Sinare, and Adjetey Anang, as well as other dignitaries. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the collective support for the development of the nation’s film and creative arts sector.
Elba’s visit and recognition as a son of the Ga land marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s journey towards becoming a global center for film production. His commitment to fostering creative talent and preserving cultural heritage through storytelling aligns with his broader vision of connecting the African diaspora with the continent.
With the backing of the Ga Mantse and industry stakeholders, the proposed studio is set to revolutionize Ghana’s creative landscape, providing a space for innovation, collaboration, and the promotion of authentic African narratives.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Elba stood among his Ghanaian brothers and sisters not just as an acclaimed Hollywood star, but as a proud son of the land, dedicated to shaping the future of African cinema. His return was more than a celebration; it was the beginning of a transformative journey for Ghana’s film industry and the next generation of creatives.
Elba and Premier League: 'Time for Other Industries to Step Up' in Fight Against Youth Knife Crime
Actor highlights trauma faced by young people during meetings with police, teenagers and coaches at community football scheme
Idris Elba has highlighted the trauma faced by those at risk of youth violence, including knife crime, at a meeting with police and community figures, adding that he was confident the government would “pay attention” to the issue.
The actor and campaigner has been a vocal supporter of tackling knife crime and youth violence, and recently fronted a documentary on the issue.
At a roundtable discussion on Monday evening with regional community figures and the national lead for knife crime in Dagenham, east London, he called for “joined-up thinking” on the issue.
He said: “I describe myself as someone who’s got a soapbox. I’m a parent, that’s it. I’m no expert on youth crime, but I do know that we’re in a crisis and that we’ve got to stand up and do something and there has to be joined-up thinking.”
Elba’s appearance at the event was to support the Premier League Kicks programme, which provides free, weekly football sessions across the country for young people at risk of antisocial behaviour, including youth violence.
After meeting teenagers and coaches from the West Ham Foundation, which runs the local sessions in Dagenham, Elba joined community leaders from across the country involved in the programme, some of whom have been affected by knife crime or serious youth violence, to discuss the issue.
In the course of the discussion, the topic of trauma arose, particularly how it was a common experience among those involved in, or affected by, youth violence.
Elba said he had asked some of the teenagers whether the sessions helped young people “stay away from knife crime and violence”. They told him they did.
“There was a massive real impact of it and that sense of belonging was important in the understanding about trauma, dialogue and understanding. You never know what any of these kids are going through at home, what their environment is. But here feels like family.”
Last month, Elba fronted a documentary highlighting the issue of knife crime in the UK. Before its release, he called for kitchen knives to be sold only with rounded ends, and, last year, he urged the government to ban the sale of machetes and “zombie” knives.
Elba told the Guardian he had decided to host the documentary because he did not understand the issue “as much as I needed to”. He said: “It’s one thing saying: we’ve got to stop knife crimes, we’ve got to ban knives, but understanding why was really important to be effective in messaging.”
Last September, Elba participated in a summit on knife crime. He was joined by the prime minister, Keir Starmer; the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, and those who had lost loved ones to knife crime.
Elba said he was confident that the government would “pay attention” to the issue. “I’m hoping that the recent awareness that we’ve seen happen is enough of a driver to push them to do change. Needless to say, no – one wants to see any more needless or senseless deaths,” he said.
Stephen Clayman, the national lead for knife crime for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said that grassroots initiatives such as the Premier League scheme could “make the biggest difference”.
“We’ve got to think about what young people would be attracted to,” he said. “Anything that could get attention of someone who is distracted by other things in their lives, gives them a route in and helps them make better life choices.”
He said such programmes needed investment to continue running. “Whether that’s government investment or private investment from other industries, it is fundamental that we don’t give up because this is where you make the biggest difference,” he said.