Veteran Ghanaian actor Majid Michel has questioned the fairness of comparing Ghana’s film industry with Nigeria’s Nollywood, arguing that the countries’ significant population difference makes such comparisons misleading.
Michel made the remarks during a recent interview with Y107.9 FM in Accra, where he described the rivalry between the two film industries as an unreasonable comparison.
According to the actor, Nigeria’s much larger population naturally creates a bigger pool of potential actors, filmmakers and other professionals who can contribute to its entertainment industry.
He illustrated his argument with a hypothetical example, explaining that a country with 50 children would statistically have a greater chance of producing more professionals and other individuals than one with only five.
Michel maintained that the same principle applies to the creative industries in both countries, insisting that Nigeria’s population gives it a numerical advantage.
Ghana has a population of fewer than 40 million, while Nigeria’s population exceeds 200 million, Michel noted during the interview.
He questioned why the two countries’ film industries should be measured against each other without taking that difference into account.
The actor also extended his argument beyond filmmaking, saying comparisons between Ghana and more established countries should consider differences in institutional development and leadership experience.
Michel argued that some countries have spent centuries building their systems, giving them advantages that Ghana has yet to develop fully.
He maintained that these differences make direct comparisons unfair, suggesting that the discussion should account for the distinct circumstances under which countries and their industries operate.
His comments add to the wider conversation about the development of African cinema, particularly the respective positions of Ghana’s film industry and Nigeria’s Nollywood.
