The low payment of actors in Ghana’s film business has drawn criticism from award-winning Ghanaian artist Samini, who claims that the pay scale is out of proportion to the work that actors do.
The well-known artist said in a podcast that he has direct knowledge of the difficulties performers have, especially about pay, because of his own experiences on film sets.
When asked why he hasn’t taken acting more seriously despite his obvious aptitude, Samini acknowledged that the business is too taxing on his body and pocketbook.
He said, “It’s a very, very draining profession to be in,” adding that he has no animosity for the film business but feels that performers should be treated with more respect.
The reggae legend, who has appeared on several film sets, disclosed that, despite both being in the entertainment sector, actors receive far lower compensation than musicians. By contrasting 2025 actor fees with musician performance rates, he demonstrated this discrepancy.
Samini claims that A-list performers can charge anything from GHS 150,000 to GHS 250,000 for a live concert with a full band. For a half-hour concert in Accra, even lesser-known musicians might make between GHS 15,000 and GHS 20,000. But the situation is very different when it comes to actors.
Even A-list performers, according to Samini, find it difficult to raise GHS 10,000 to GHS 25,000 for a full film production, which sometimes necessitates spending up to three weeks on site. “Some of the big names can push for maybe GHS 20,000 to GHS 25,000, but that even depends on who is hiring them,” he said.
In sharp contrast to a singer who receives GHS 15,000 for just three songs, lesser-known actors receive as low as GHS 2,000 for weeks of labor.
“It’s crazy, and something has to be done about it,” he said emphatically.
Source: DKlassgh.com
