Ghanaian celebrities and entertainment analysts have spoken against Accra-based television station CTV following the suspension of the ‘The Showbiz’ programme hosted by Kojo Preko Dankwa on Fridays.
According to them, the programme gives the platform to discuss healthy entertainment issues and also gives the opportunity to young talents to sell their craft.
The President of Vhim Crew, Enock Agyepong, who is also a copyright advocate called on the management of CTV to reconsider the suspension of the Friday entertainment programme ‘The Showbiz’, saying the growing showbiz industry in Ghana needs such platforms to help improve it.
Enock Agyepong reiterated that ‘The Showbiz’ programme had given a lot of young talents the opportunity to showcase their craft to the world and suspension of the programme won’t help the already dead industry to develop.
“Major industry issues are discussed on it as well and great showbiz personalities are invited to share their ideas and advice every Friday as well,” he said, adding, “I have benefited immensely from the programme for free and believe such positive programmes shouldn’t be taken off our screens for the sake of the industry,” he said.
Entertainment analyst, Kelly Mensah, also argued that politicians occupy the airwaves from Monday to Friday, saying, the only saviour of our industry on TV was CTV and it’s very shocking that they’ve suspended the programme without any explanation.
He said, “The Showbiz programme has a segment called ‘Bloggers Café’ which gives the opportunity to bloggers in Ghana to sell their brands and stories, in fact, a lot of bloggers have expressed their disappointment towards the suspension of the programme and even threatened a demonstration.”
He called on the CTV management to reconsider the suspension of the show and urged entertainment stakeholders in the Creative Arts sector to collaborate to develop the industry.
“It’s sad that the owners of the station have to shut down such a programme, especially when the industry needs it at this crucial corona season and it’s our hope that they’ll reconsider their decision and bring the programme back on our screens,” Mr. Mensah stated.