Beverly Afaglo Laments Favoritism Over Talent in Ghana’s Film Industry
The Ghanaian film industry faces numerous challenges, but one issue that deeply concerns actress Beverly Afaglo is the prioritization of personal connections over genuine talent by producers.
She believes this practice is detrimental to the industry, as it compromises quality in favor of friendships and affiliations.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, March 24, 2025, Beverly expressed her disappointment with the trend, emphasizing the urgent need to address it to ensure the production of high-quality content.
“In the past, there was a bias towards light-skinned actors, but now the focus has shifted to connections—who you know, who you are close to, and who comes to mind when casting. Talent is no longer the priority. It’s not about how skilled you are; all you need is the right connections, and you’ll land a role,” she remarked.
Challenges Faced by Dark-Skinned Actors in the Past
Reflecting on her early career, Beverly recalled how difficult it was for dark-skinned actors to secure lead roles. She explained that producers predominantly favored light-skinned actors, sidelining many talented dark-skinned performers.
She shared that, apart from a few established stars like Jackie Appiah, most dark-skinned actors struggled to get significant roles, as producers deliberately cast light-skinned newcomers instead.
“We would go through auditions, sometimes even receive scripts and prepare for roles, only for a fair-skinned newcomer to be given the part we thought we had secured. That was the norm back then.
“Apart from Jackie, who had already made a name for herself despite being dark-skinned, there was little anyone could do to change the industry’s preference. Most of the actors given lead roles were light-skinned, but today, many of them have disappeared from the industry. Meanwhile, those of us who were overlooked had to work extra hard to remain relevant,” she explained.
Impact on the Industry’s Growth
When asked whether this approach has affected the quality of movies produced, Beverly did not give a direct answer. However, she suggested that such casting decisions had influenced the trajectory of the industry.
Instead of prioritizing connections, she believes talent should be the main criterion for selecting actors to ensure the continuous growth of Ghana’s film industry.
Exciting New Project: Pimp’s Paradise
Shifting away from concerns about favoritism in casting, Beverly shared exciting news about her upcoming series.
“There’s something new on the way, and hopefully, it will be released next month. It’s titled Pimp’s Paradise, and it’s a short series,” she revealed enthusiastically.
Discussing her role in the series, Beverly added, “I play the lead character, Edna Saraf, who is the main pimp. I run the house where the girls stay, and I control everything that happens there.”
With Pimp’s Paradise set for release soon, fans can look forward to seeing Beverly take on a bold and intriguing role in this new
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