OB Amponsah predicts possible collapse of Ghana’s comedy Industry; says it lacks stakeholder Interest

Popular Ghanaian comedian and optometrist, Obarima Akuoko Amponsah, well recognized by the stage name OB Amponsah, has not too long ago, shed light on the challenges faced by Ghanaian comedians, adding that the comedy industry is ‘standing on a wobbly leg’.

According to him, he sees a possible collapse of the industry, should it continue to be deprived of the requisite support from various stakeholders.

OB in a lengthy post on his Facebook page on Friday, September 1, 2023, made known that despite the comedy fraternity boasting of exceptional talents, it is still struggling to find its feet. The medical doctor, in giving his followers a better picture of his claims, revealed that prominent comedians like himself and Lekzy Decomic still struggle, and in most cases, don’t even get sponsors to support their shows even though they have a good record of filling auditoriums such as the National Theatre.

He wrote that, “The standup comedy industry in Ghana is a struggling one. Severely lacking funding even with exceptional talents that can sell anywhere. Let me paint a picture of the industry now. We have a registered association now Gh Comedians Network. We have tried our best to establish a running comedy club every Thursday at 2927 pub. We have tried tertiary school tours (ValleyView University and HTU). Almost every one of these young comedians have their individual comedy specials. Our efforts spill over to other countries and so we are invited to perform at shows in Rwanda, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, and Nigeria. Bro, we even have a full 20 minute feature on CNN about comedy in Ghana. Look at how many comedy shows have happened from January to September.

He continued “The beautiful picture painted above, will collapse in no time mainly because of severe lack in funding and lack of stakeholders interest. Me and Lekzy can hardly get sponsorship for upcoming shows even after doing a number of shows at the National theater. Because we do not seem to have the skit attracting or bortoss attracting numbers on our socials, we lose out on brand sponsorship and ambassadorial deals, but you all know we are working. We do not take for granted any support we have received so far. But there is a pressing need. The standup comedy industry is standing on wobbly legs. Don’t be surprised when it comes crumbling down. Our strength can only reach that far. And when you lose out on a show, because you couldn’t secure a visa, you can only smile and bide your time.”