Ghollywood—the Ghanaian film industry, including Ghallywood and Kumawood—has historically shown wide pay disparities, loosely regulated compensation, and evolving calls for fairer rates. Here’s what 2025 looks like for actor earnings in Ghana:

Standard Pay Structure (Per Film)

Based on insights from entertainment stakeholders and industry performers:

• A-list actors currently earn between ₵10,000 – ₵25,000 per film, even when production spans weeks.
  Samini, on the Sincerely Accra podcast, highlighted that:

  “…A‑list actors often struggle to secure between ₵10,000 to ₵25,000 for an entire movie project…”

• Lesser-known actors may earn as little as ₵2,000 for several weeks’ work.

Proposed Tiered Pay Model

In response to compensation concerns, Samini recommended:

• A-list actors: minimum ₵50,000 per movie

• B-list actors: at least ₵30,000

• Mainstream actors: no less than ₵15,000

Industry advocate Isaac Kofi Arthur echoed the need for standardization, noting that extras may be paid as little as ₵150per day:

“How do you expect someone to spend the whole day on set and get paid just ₵150?”

Ghollywood vs. Kumawood: Pay Comparisons

Here's a snapshot of per-movie earnings in Kumawood — reflective of the broader Ghollywood landscape:

• Vivian Jill Lawrence, Emelia Brobbey, Mercy Asiedu, Bill Asamoah, and Akua Ataa earn around ₵1,500 per film.

• Kwaku Manu commands ₵1,800–₵2,000 per film.

• Akrobeto and Nana Ama McBrown earn approximately ₵2,500.

• Liwin pulls up to ₵4,000, and Agya Koo once earned as much as ₵10,000, now around ₵5,000.

Allowances & Supplementary Income

While base rates are modest, actors may supplement their earnings through:

• Endorsements & Commercials: especially for high-profile names.

• Public Appearances: events, award shows, and hosting opportunities.

• Streaming Royalties: Rare, but possible with platforms paying per view or license.

• Event Fees, Workshops, & Brand Collaborations: growing side-income streams.

Industry Voices – Candid Reflections from Reddit

While specific salary quotes aren't available, broader commentary underscores the struggles:

“It’s a very, very draining profession to be in,” mused Samini, highlighting the financial and emotional toll actors face due to low pay.

FAQs

Q1: What do top Ghollywood actors earn per movie?

• Typically ₵10,000 – ₵25,000, with proposals for upward revision to ₵50,000 minimum.

Q2: What do lesser-known actors or extras earn?

• Payments can be as low as ₵2,000 per film—or just ₵150/day, according to industry insiders.

Q3: Are actors proposing better pay structures?

• Yes. Samini advocates tiered pay scales: ₵50,000 (A-list), ₵30,000 (B-list), ₵15,000 minimum for mainstream actors.

Q4: Why is pay so inconsistent?

• Fragmented industry structure, lack of guild oversight, producer-driven rates, and informal negotiations contribute heavily to inconsistent compensation.

Q5: How much do Kumawood actors get paid compared to Ghollywood?

• Kumawood actors earn very modest sums—₵1,500–₵5,000 per film—depending on fame and role, which mirrors the broader pay challenges in Ghollywood.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Ghollywood landscape presents a striking picture:

• Entry-level or extra roles may earn pennies, as low as ₵150/day, or ₵2,000–₵5,000 per film.

• A-list actors generally command ₵10,000–₵25,000, but many believe fair compensation should start at ₵50,000.

• Calls for reform are growing louder, with industry advocates urging for transparent, tiered pay structures.

To elevate the industry’s sustainability and attract true talent, revisiting compensation models is essential.