Award-winning Ghanaian musician Samini has raised concerns about the poor remuneration of actors in Ghana’s film industry, stating that the pay structure does not reflect the effort actors put into their craft.
Speaking on a podcast, Samini shared his personal experiences on movie sets, offering insight into the challenges actors face, particularly with regard to compensation.
He admitted that despite his talent, he hasn’t pursued acting more seriously due to the draining nature of the profession, both physically and financially.
“It’s a very, very draining profession to be in,” he remarked, stressing that while he has great respect for the film industry, actors deserve better pay. He pointed out the disparity between the earnings of musicians and actors, illustrating this by comparing the performance fees for musicians and actor wages in 2025.
Samini explained that A-list musicians can earn between GHS 150,000 to GHS 250,000 for a full-band live performance, while lesser-known musicians make GHS 15,000 to GHS 20,000 for a 30-minute show in Accra.
However, A-list actors, Samini disclosed, struggle to secure GHS 10,000 to GHS 25,000 for an entire movie project, which may require up to three weeks of work on set.
“It’s crazy, and something has to be done about it,” he stated, calling for a standardized pay structure in the film industry, similar to what exists in music. He suggested that industry players should set a minimum pay structure to ensure fair compensation for actors.
Samini proposed that A-list actors should not be paid less than GHS 50,000 per movie, B-list actors should earn at least GHS 30,000, and no mainstream actor should be paid below GHS 15,000 for any role.
He believes that a structured and fair payment system will not only improve the livelihoods of actors but also elevate the quality of Ghanaian films.
In his closing remarks, Samini urged producers, directors, and industry stakeholders to reconsider how actors are compensated, emphasizing, “I think you can afford to pay them slightly more.”
He stressed that actors’ hard work deserves recognition just as much as musicians’ contributions to the entertainment industry.
Samini’s comments have sparked a wider conversation about the financial realities of acting in Ghana and whether the industry can be restructured to ensure fairer compensation for all involved.
Many hope that his advocacy will lead to better pay and conditions for Ghanaian actors, helping the film industry thrive alongside the music sector.
