Ghanaian Kumawood actor Michael Afranie has addressed his absence from the Real Estate and Film Festival (REFFA) float organised by actress and filmmaker Selassie Ibrahim, insisting that he had no reason to attend an event he was not invited to.

The actor said the fact that the festival activities took place in Kumasi did not automatically make every Kumasi-based actor a participant. He questioned why some industry players were brought from Accra, with arrangements reportedly made for their travel and accommodation, while actors in Kumasi were left out.

“I didn’t join the float because they didn’t invite me. The fact that they organised it in Kumasi doesn’t mean that I was supposed to go uninvited. When they came from Accra, didn’t they come by flight? Didn’t they sleep in luxurious hotels? The actors who showed up from Accra, were they not paid? Why would they book flights to Kumasi for this without being paid?” he questioned.

Michael Afranie stressed that his criticism was not directed at REFFA or its objectives. Rather, he said he was concerned about what he perceives as unequal treatment of actors based on their location.

“I don’t have any problem with her REFFA festival because I feel it projects the industry and makes the works keep growing. But the treatment that is between Accra and Kumasi is very bad. We are all stars, but she chose to invite some and forget us,” he added.

His comments have brought renewed attention to the longstanding concerns over the perceived imbalance between Kumasi and Accra in Ghana’s film and entertainment industry, particularly regarding opportunities and recognition for Kumawood actors.

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@ruthy_beauty_tv Updates 360…. Big Buzzzzzzz!!!!! Selasi Ibrahim doesn’t respect Kumasi Stars, reason I didn’t go for her float, Michael Afranie!!!! #fypviraltiktok🖤シ゚☆♡ ♬ original sound – Ruthy Beauty Tv

Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang