Veteran Ghanaian actor Majid Michel has sparked fresh debate after describing comparisons between Ghana’s film industry and Nigeria’s Nollywood as “stupid”, arguing that the significant difference in population makes such assessments unfair.
Michel made the remarks during an interview with Y107.9 FM in Accra, where he questioned why Ghana’s movie industry should be measured against Nigeria’s without considering the number of people living in both countries.
According to the actor, Nigeria’s much larger population gives it a wider pool of potential actors, filmmakers, producers and other creative professionals. He believes this makes it unsurprising that Nigeria produces more people working in the entertainment industry.
“The comparison between us and Nigeria is such a stupid comparison to me. If you have 50 children and I have five children, the possibility that you will have more criminals, doctors, good children and filmmakers than me is very high,” Michel said.
He further argued that Ghana, with fewer than 40 million people, cannot reasonably be expected to produce the same volume of creative professionals as Nigeria, whose population exceeds 200 million.
“We are less than 40 million in Ghana. Nigeria is over 200 million, almost 300 million. So how on earth would you compare?” he asked.
His comments have reignited discussions about the relationship between Ghana’s film industry, commonly called Ghallywood or Ghollywood, and Nigeria’s globally recognised Nollywood.
Here are seven important things to know about the actor’s comments and the debate surrounding the two film industries.
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1. Majid Michel Calls Ghana-Nigeria Film Industry Comparison ‘Stupid’
Michel did not hide his disagreement with the practice of comparing Ghana’s film industry directly with Nollywood.
During the Y107.9 FM interview, he described the comparison as unfair because the two countries have significantly different population sizes.
He used an example involving two families, one with 50 children and another with five, to explain why the larger group would naturally have a greater chance of producing more professionals in different occupations.
According to him, the same principle applies to filmmaking.
A country with a much larger population has a wider potential talent pool, making it more likely to produce greater numbers of actors, directors, screenwriters, producers and other professionals.
Michel believes that overlooking this difference creates unrealistic expectations for Ghana’s entertainment industry.
2. He Highlights the Huge Population Difference Between Ghana and Nigeria
Population was at the centre of Michel’s argument.
He pointed out that Ghana has fewer than 40 million residents, while Nigeria has more than 200 million.
World Bank population data supports the significant difference. Its 2025 estimates put Nigeria’s population at approximately 237.5 million, compared with Ghana’s approximately 35.1 million.
This means Nigeria has nearly seven times Ghana’s population.
The difference provides context for Michel’s argument about the number of people available to participate in the entertainment industries of both countries.
However, population is only one factor influencing the size of a film industry. Investment, production infrastructure, distribution networks, audience purchasing power, government support and access to international markets also contribute to industry growth.
3. Michel Questions Why Ghana Should Produce the Same Number of Filmmakers
The actor argued that it should not be surprising if Nigeria has more filmmakers than Ghana.
He questioned why people would expect a country with a considerably smaller population to produce the same number of professionals as a country with a much larger population.
“Why do they have more doctors than us? Mathematically, you should know why. So if Nigeria has more filmmakers than us, it only makes sense because they are way more than us,” he said.
His position suggests that the number of filmmakers emerging from a country should be considered alongside its population and available opportunities.
The argument also raises an important distinction between total industry output and performance relative to population.
For example, comparing the total number of films produced by two countries is different from comparing the number of films produced per capita, the average production budget or the commercial success of individual projects.
These measurements can provide different perspectives on the strengths and challenges of both industries.
4. He Rejects Claims That Ghana’s Film Industry Is Dying
Michel also addressed suggestions that Ghana’s movie industry is declining.
He disagreed with the claim that filmmaking has stopped or that the industry is no longer active.
According to reports of the interview, he maintained that productions are still taking place regularly, with Ghanaian filmmakers continuing to work on projects, including productions for Africa Magic.
He explained that filmmakers remain busy and people are constantly working on movie sets.
However, he acknowledged that the financial rewards may not be particularly encouraging.
His comments suggest that the problem may not simply be a lack of film production, but also the financial conditions under which some industry professionals operate.
The distinction is important because an industry can remain active while still struggling with low production budgets, limited distribution opportunities and inadequate compensation for creative workers.
5. The Actor Says Established Countries Should Not Be Compared Without Context
Michel extended his argument beyond Ghana and Nigeria, questioning the practice of comparing developing countries with nations that have had centuries to establish their institutions and systems.
He argued that countries with longer histories of organised institutions have had more time to develop structures that support different industries.
According to him, such differences should be considered before making comparisons.
He suggested that Ghana and other developing countries should be assessed with an understanding of their development histories rather than judged solely against countries with more established systems.
His remarks broadened the discussion from filmmaking to the challenges facing developing economies and their creative sectors.
6. Nollywood and Ghana’s Film Industry Have Different Opportunities and Challenges
Nigeria’s Nollywood has developed into one of Africa’s most recognisable film industries, with a large domestic audience and extensive production activity.
Its films reach viewers through cinemas, television channels, streaming platforms and digital distribution.
Ghana’s film industry has also produced recognised actors, directors and filmmakers whose work has attracted audiences across Africa and internationally.
The two industries have collaborated over the years, with actors and production professionals moving between Ghanaian and Nigerian projects.
Their relationship has also created opportunities for cross-border storytelling, partnerships and audience growth.
However, both industries face challenges, including production financing, distribution costs, piracy, marketing and competition from international content.
Michel’s comments have therefore brought attention to a wider question: should the success of a film industry be measured by the total number of films and professionals it produces, or should other factors also be considered?
7. Majid Michel’s Comments Reignite the Long-Running Ghallywood-Nollywood Debate
The relationship between Ghana’s film industry and Nollywood has attracted discussions among movie fans, actors and entertainment professionals for years.
Some comparisons focus on the number of films produced, while others consider acting talent, production quality, international recognition, box-office performance and streaming opportunities.
Michel’s argument has added another dimension to the debate by insisting that population size must be considered.
His position does not necessarily mean Ghana’s film industry should avoid measuring its progress or learning from Nigeria’s experience.
Rather, it highlights the importance of using appropriate measurements when assessing industries operating in countries with different population sizes and market conditions.
For Ghanaian filmmakers, the conversation also raises questions about how the industry can improve its financing, professional opportunities, distribution and international reach.
What Do You Think?
Majid Michel believes comparing Ghana’s film industry directly with Nollywood without considering population differences is unfair.
His comments have reopened the conversation about the relationship between the two neighbouring countries and the different factors shaping their entertainment industries.
While Nigeria’s larger population provides a much bigger potential audience and talent pool, population alone does not determine the success of a film industry.
Investment, infrastructure, distribution, production quality and access to international markets also matter.
Do you agree with Majid Michel that comparing Ghana’s film industry with Nollywood is unfair, or do you believe Ghana should still be measured against Nigeria to encourage greater growth and competition?
TheCable Lifestyle – Majid Michel says comparing Ghana’s film industry to Nollywood is unfair
