Abeiku Nyame 'Jagga Pee' Calls on President Mahama to Establish Welfare Fund for Veteran Actors

Veteran actor Abeiku Nyame, popularly known as Jagga Pee, has issued a passionate appeal to President John Mahama, urging the government to establish a formal welfare and pension scheme for aging actors and actresses in Ghana. Speaking on the vulnerabilities faced by those in the creative arts, Nyame highlighted that unlike workers in the formal sector, entertainers often lack retirement benefits or social safety nets, leaving many in precarious financial positions as they age. This call comes at a time when the Ghanaian film industry is grappling with structural changes that have left many pioneers of the screen struggling to maintain their livelihoods after decades of service.

Jagga Pee expressed deep concern over current casting trends in the industry, specifically the practice of giving roles traditionally suited for veterans to younger actors. This shift, he noted, has significantly diminished the earning potential of experienced performers, exacerbating their financial difficulties. Clarifying that his appeal is non-partisan, the actor pointed to President Mahama’s historical support for the arts as a reason for his optimism. He also compared the Ghanaian industry unfavorably to Nigeria's, where he noted that actors receive better remuneration and structural support, leading to a more robust entertainment economy.

The challenges described by Jagga Pee are echoed in the lived experiences of other veterans, such as actress Adwina, who felt compelled to leave the Ghanaian film industry entirely two decades ago. Speaking on her relocation to the United States, Adwina revealed that her decision was driven by the need to secure a more stable future for her children and to pursue educational opportunities that were not readily available to her while working in the local movie scene. While she remains proud of her heritage and the success of colleagues like Nana Ama McBrown, her long absence underscores the lack of long-term security that often forces talented individuals to seek greener pastures abroad.

These two perspectives highlight a critical juncture for Ghana’s creative sector. While veterans like Adwina have found success through diversification and migration—earning degrees in fields such as Criminal Justice and Digital Cinematography—others like Jagga Pee remain dedicated to the local industry, hoping for reforms that will allow them to age with dignity. The establishment of a dedicated welfare fund and a more structured pension system could serve as a vital step in ensuring that the nation’s cultural icons are protected, ultimately helping to professionalize and sustain the Ghanaian film industry for future generations.