Ghanaian actor and comedian Jeffrey Nortey has taken to social media to express deep frustration with what he sees as a troubling pattern in the local film industry. In a heartfelt statement written on social media,He criticized the way some Ghanaian filmmakers handle loyalty, especially when it comes to casting decisions and recognition of effort. His post, which has since gained significant traction online, called out a trend where dependable actors who commit to low-budget projects are pushed aside once the money starts flowing.
“It’s really disheartening how some Ghanaian filmmakers operate,” he wrote. “When funds are low, they call on the familiar, dependable faces… But the moment they secure the budget, they ‘upgrade’ and go for the actors they’ve always dreamed of working with.”
Also Read: “The Triple Threat: Jeffrey Nortey’s “3 Faces” Special Wows Audience”
Jeffery Nortey’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by many rising actors in Ghana’s entertainment scene, those who have poured time, energy, and personal branding into supporting independent projects when no one else would. These “lesser-known” names often play a pivotal role in bringing early-stage films to life, not just through acting, but through tireless promotion, social media marketing, and unwavering dedication. Yet, once a project gets financial backing, they’re frequently replaced by big-name stars in a bid to attract more attention.
But does star power always equal box office success? Nortey isn’t so sure.
“Let’s be clear—bigger faces don’t always bring bigger money,” he stated. “Filmmaking goes beyond star power. If we keep sacrificing loyalty for clout, we’ll keep building a shallow industry with no real roots.”
Over the last few years, he’s built a strong reputation as one of Ghana’s most dynamic creatives, seamlessly blending theatre, comedy, and cultural commentary. His breakout one-man stage show, “3 Faces of Jeffrey Nortey,” debuted in December 2023 at Snap Cinemas and was a resounding success.
The production later sold out the National Theatre in June 2025, a feat that highlighted both his star power and the strong grassroots following he has cultivated.
