The spotlight glinted off Dennis Boateng’s glasses as he leaned forward, his passion palpable. As CEO of the Ghana Comedy Awards, Boateng isn’t just about handing out trophies; he envisions a revolution. In a recent interview on *Daybreak Hitz*, he passionately argued that the Ghanaian government is overlooking a goldmine: the nation’s comedy scene. He believes comedy can be a major driver of economic growth and tourism, and he’s proposing a bold solution: a dedicated Black Star Comedy Festival. The festival, he argues, could elevate Ghana’s presence on the world stage, boost tourism, and unlock significant economic potential. The key, Boateng insists, is for the government to recognize and invest in the untapped potential of Ghanaian comedy.

Boateng believes comedy is currently undervalued and underutilized by the government. He sees a disconnect between the way the government views the creative arts and the actual economic potential of comedy. “I think the government should go beyond looking at creative in a certain way. When it comes to comedy, comedy is big. Trust me, if you pay attention to it, the music that is selling Ghana, the tourism that is selling Ghana, it will blow up. The comedy will blow up Ghana,” Boateng said, emphasizing that with the right investment, the comedy industry could be a significant contributor to Ghana’s cultural and economic development. He argues that comedy can boost tourism, create jobs, and generate revenue, making it a vital sector for Ghana’s growth.

Boateng’s proposal centers on a three-day Black Star Comedy Festival, a concept born from noticing a gap in the existing Black Star Experience. “I did a little check. I need to highlight this on the Black Star Experience. I saw Black Star Movie Festival, I saw Black Star Theatre, I didn’t see Black Star Comedy Festival. I think that is a platform where we can actually do something nice for a weekend,” Boateng explained. His vision encompasses a broad spectrum of comedic talent. The festival would include comedy theatres, skits, movies, stand-up, jugglers, and even magicians.

“We can have three days. We have comedy theatres, we have comedy skits, we have comedy movies, we have stand-up comedy, we have these jugglers. We have magicians and all of them. Let’s put them together at one place for a weekend and say we are doing a Black Star Comedy Festival. Look at what will happen, it will be mind-blowing. And this will put Ghana on another pedestal when it comes to the world market. So, it’s a big deal. Anyone listening can look at it. The government should also pay attention to it,” Boateng asserted. Realizing this vision requires not just enthusiasm, but also careful logistical planning and effective promotion to attract both local and international audiences.

To realize the full potential of the comedy industry, Boateng emphasizes the need for tangible government support and investment. Government initiatives could include funding for comedy productions, infrastructure development for comedy venues, and training programs to nurture emerging talent. He believes that the return on investment for the government and the broader Ghanaian economy would be substantial. Overcoming the perception of comedy as less significant compared to other creative sectors is also crucial to unlock its potential.

The upcoming Ghana Comedy Awards, scheduled for May 24, 2025, at the LaPalm Royal Beach Hotel, represent a significant step in recognizing and promoting Ghanaian comedy talent. These awards serve as a platform to celebrate excellence within the industry and foster growth and professionalism. By highlighting the achievements of Ghanaian comedians, the awards contribute to raising the profile of the comedy sector and attracting further investment.

Dennis Boateng’s vision for a Black Star Comedy Festival presents a compelling opportunity to transform Ghana’s comedy scene, boost tourism, and drive economic growth. By investing in the comedy industry and supporting initiatives like the Ghana Comedy Awards, the government can unlock the immense potential of this vibrant sector. With a dedicated comedy festival within the Black Star Experience, Ghana can solidify its position as a hub for comedy and entertainment on the global stage. It’s time for Ghana to truly embrace its comedic potential.