Despite admitting that prospects in the Ghana movie Industry have tremendously improved in recent years than they were in the past, popular actress Rose Mensa, widely known in showbiz as Kyeiwaa or Akua Ataa, believes not much have been done to secure the welfare of actors in their old age and retirement.
She said unlike musicians who are occasionally paid royalties in line with the country�s copyright laws, the case of Ghanaian actors are different �in the sense that there is nothing for us, except for the money we get from producers when shooting a new film.
�I know, for instance, that musicians are paid some money every year (referring to the royalties) but I don�t know yet if there�s something like that for us, not that I know of,� she said, adding: �This is one very important thing that we need in the industry now.�
She said if indeed no royalties existed for actors, then the industry chieftains and groupings, such as the Ghana Actors Guild, needed to work towards exploring the possibility of getting it instituted.
�We need some cover and we should also be concerned about our future when we�re old and resting,� she quipped.
Kyeiwaa made the suggestion in an exclusive interview with the �Spectator Agoro� on Monday, as she shared light on her soaring career and the challenges therein, such as the attitude of society towards some of the roles she play.
Responding to a question about who was the best local actress in the country today, Kyeiwaa unequivocally insisted: �It is me, not two ways about that! I�ve worked very hard and continue to work harder every day.
�Last year, I won the Best Actress (local) at the Ghana movie Awards and I can tell you that if it is held again today, I�ll win it again and even some more. I act with all the passion in me simply because God has blessed me with the talent and I have the responsibility to continually vindicate that,� she said.
On how society received the roles she plays in movies which often border on witchcraft, Kyeiwaa admitted that the road has not been easy in the bid to prove to people that �whatever I do in movies are make-belief and are therefore, not real.
�People did not understand it and some even though I am a witch. I remember some unknown people used to call me just to tell me that they don�t like me. That was all in the beginning.
�But things have changed now and I feel Ghanaians now understand and appreciate what I do. People now embrace me, hug me, encourage me and say they like my acting. Some wish me well and walk to me in public to show their liking for me. I think they now understand acting is not an extension of witchcraft!�
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