A bold new chapter in Ghanaian cinema is unfolding with the production of King of T3ma, an ambitious crime drama rooted deeply in the culture, struggles and spirit of Tema, one of Ghana’s most dynamic port cities.

Produced by Anibok Studios and directed by Kobina de Graft-Johnson, the film is crafted as a gritty, character-driven story that goes beyond genre tropes to explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, power, faith and ambition in an urban Ghanaian setting.

At its core, King of T3ma follows young men caught between survival and moral peril—such as Paa Kwesi, who is forced to work for a notorious criminal overlord to save his sick mother from the brink of despair. This narrative arc reflects the economic and social tensions of life in a city where every choice carries weight, portraying characters whose personal journeys mirror wider community challenges.

The production brings together a powerful ensemble cast that includes veteran actor Fred Amugi, leading man Kingsley Yamoah, rising star David “Big Tim” Osabutey, Kweku Elliott, Mynna Otoo, Melvin Dain, Naya Pratt and others, blending seasoned talent with fresh faces to convey the story’s emotional and cultural depth.

De Graft-Johnson has said the project is “not just a story about crime; it is a story about Ghana, about Tema, about us,” noting that authentic African narratives deserve to command a place on the world stage.

The film is conceived, written, directed and produced by voices rooted in the very community it depicts, marking a milestone as one of the first major features conceived entirely by a Tema native.

Music and sound play central roles in shaping the film’s atmosphere, with Tema-born music producer White Gold—who has collaborated on Billboard-charting tracks with American rapper Eminem—contributing to the soundtrack. Award-winning composer Pascal Aka also provides a score that fuses underground hip-hop energy with cinematic gravitas, reinforcing the story’s urban pulse and emotional resonance.

King of T3ma is being positioned not only as a compelling local drama but as a cultural export capable of resonating with global audiences.

Ghana’s cultural and creative industries have earned global recognition, with the country placing 9th in the world for Cultural and Creative Services Exports in the newly released Global Innovation Index 2025.

The recognition is a remarkable achievement that highlights the expanding influence of Ghanaian culture, music, fashion, film, and art on the international stage.

While Ghana’s overall Global Innovation Index (GII) ranking stands at 101 out of 139 economies, the standout performance in the creative sector shows a growing strength in innovation outputs where culture meets commerce.

Ghana’s Global Creative Impact

The Cultural and Creative Services Exports metric tracks how countries sell creative outputs — such as music, film, design, and digital content — across borders. Ghana’s top-10 placement reflects not just the popularity of its cultural exports but also the economic potential of its creative ecosystem.

This rise comes amid broader growth in the global creative economy, which is estimated to generate more than $2 trillion annually, accounting for approximately 3.1 percent of global GDP. Africa alone is estimated to employ millions in cultural and creative roles, driving job creation and economic diversification.

Ghana’s creative rise includes achievements in several key areas:

• Music and Entertainment: Ghanaian artists such as Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Black Sherif and Amaarae continue to build global audiences through streaming platforms, collaborations, and international tours — amplifying the country’s cultural footprint.
• Fashion and Design: Ghanaian fashion designers are gaining global visibility, merging Afrocentric aesthetics with contemporary design, attracting attention from international markets and fashion weeks.
• Film and Visual Arts: Ghanaian cinema and visual artists are increasingly featured on global platforms, contributing to cultural storytelling that resonates with diaspora and international audiences alike.
• Digital and Creative Media: Content creators leveraging platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram are building global followings, expanding both cultural influence and export value.

Why This Matters for Ghana

Experts and industry stakeholders see Ghana’s top-10 ranking in creative exports as a sign of structural transition — from cultural production being primarily local consumption to becoming a major economic driver with global reach.

“Ghana’s creative industry is fast becoming a vibrant engine of culture and commerce,” noted a recent Business & Financial Times analysis that highlighted the need for deeper investment to fully scale the sector’s potential.

Initiatives like the Fidelity Cultural and Creative Fund are being introduced to help bridge financing gaps and support long-term growth in creative sectors.

This recognition also complements broader innovation and digital transformation efforts in the country — including strategic investment in tech and creative clusters — designed to position Ghana as an innovation hub across Africa.

Challenges and Forward Momentum

Despite the spotlight on creative exports, Ghana’s overall innovation performance suggests room for improvement in areas such as research and development, technological innovation, and infrastructure investment — key drivers that can further strengthen the ecosystem supporting cultural exports.

Yet, experts argue that the cultural sector’s momentum offers a blueprint for sustainable, export-oriented growth that combines creative expression with economic impact.

A Global Audience, A Growing Market

As Ghana celebrates its top-10 ranking in cultural and creative exports, the message is clear: the country is not just a consumer of global trends, but a generator of cultural value with global resonance.

With sustained investment, supportive policy frameworks, and continued grassroots innovation, Ghana’s creative economy is poised to play an even greater role in the global economic and cultural landscape.

Ghana, often called the “Gateway to Africa,” is a nation rich in history, innovation, and cultural heritage.

From pioneering infrastructure to global cultural exports, here are 10 fascinating facts that highlight what makes this West African gem truly unique—many of which might surprise even seasoned travelers.

Tema Harbour: Africa’s Largest Modern Port Expansion Led by a Visionary Leader

Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, built the country’s first major harbour at Tema. However, under President John Dramani Mahama’s first administration between 2012 and 2017, Ghana expanded the infrastructure tremendously by launching a $1.5 billion expansion drive. The epic project was completed in phases and fully commissioned in November 2025. This public-private partnership with Meridian Port Services (MPS) tripled the port’s capacity to over 3 million TEUs annually, making it West Africa’s premier trade hub. What you might not know: The project saved Ghana over $500 million through innovative financing and created thousands of jobs, positioning the country as a maritime powerhouse without direct government funding.

Jenga: The Global Game Born from Ghanaian Childhood Play

The iconic stacking game Jenga, played by millions worldwide, was invented by British designer Leslie Scott, inspired by her teenage years in Ghana during the 1970s. Using wooden blocks from a family game in Takoradi, she refined the concept into what became “Jenga”—from the Swahili word “kujenga,” meaning “to build.” Released in 1983, it has sold over 80 million sets, but its roots trace back to simple Ghanaian playtime amid limited toys, blending creativity with cultural resourcefulness.

Kente Cloth: Ghana’s Newly Protected Cultural Icon

Kente, the vibrant woven fabric synonymous with African royalty and pride, originated among. Ghana’s Ashanti and Ewe peoples centuries ago. In a landmark move in 2025, Ghana secured Geographical Indication (GI) status for Kente through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), ensuring only cloth handwoven in designated Ghanaian communities can legally bear the name. This protects against global imitations and cultural appropriation, while its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing (2024) underscores patterns symbolizing wisdom, wealth, and history—each design telling a story passed down generations.

Lake Volta: The World’s Largest Man-Made Reservoir

Created in 1965 by the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River, Lake Volta spans 8,502 square kilometers—larger than some countries—and holds 148 cubic kilometers of water, making it the biggest artificial lake by surface area globally. Built under Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for industrialization, it generates 60% of Ghana’s electricity via hydropower and supports massive fishing industries. Lesser-known fact: Its creation displaced over 80,000 people across 700 villages, creating a complex legacy of progress and human cost.

Adinkra Symbols: Ancient Wisdom in Visual Code

Originating from the Akan people in the 19th century, Adinkra symbols are a unique Ghanaian invention—over 50 intricate designs stamped on cloth, pottery, and architecture, each conveying philosophical proverbs like “Sankofa” (learn from the past) or “Gye Nyame” (except for God). Used in funerals, ceremonies, and modern fashion, they represent one of Africa’s oldest visual communication systems, blending art with moral teachings and now influencing global tattoos and designs.

Fantasy Coffins: Celebrating Life Through Artful Death

A tradition among the Ga people in Greater Accra, fantasy coffins (or “abebuu adekai”) are custom-built caskets shaped like everyday objects—fish for fishermen, cars for drivers, or even Coca-Cola bottles—to symbolize the deceased’s life or profession. Invented in the 1950s by artisan Seth Kane Kwei, this quirky cultural practice has gained international fame, with pieces in museums worldwide, turning funerals into vibrant tributes to individuality.

Highlife Music: The Birthplace of Afro-Fusion Sounds

Ghana pioneered Highlife in the 1920s, a genre blending traditional Akan rhythms with Western jazz, calypso, and brass bands, evolving into modern Afrobeats influences. Icons like E.T. Mensah popularized it across Africa, and today, artists like Sarkodie fuse it with hip-hop. Fun fact: It emerged from coastal elites (“high life”) but became a Pan-African staple, symbolizing post-colonial joy and resilience.

Below is a video of an old highlife tune:

Cocoa Dominance: Sweet Secrets of the World’s Second-Largest Producer

Ghana produces over 800,000 tons of cocoa annually, second only to Côte d’Ivoire, fueling 20% of global chocolate. Introduced by Tetteh Quarshie in 1879 after smuggling beans from Fernando Po, it’s now a $2 billion industry. Unique twist: Ghana’s premium beans are fermented longer for richer flavor, and the country pioneered fair-trade certifications to combat child labor—yet most Ghanaians have never tasted finished chocolate.

Kakum Canopy Walkway: Africa’s Thrilling Treetop Adventure

Suspended 30 meters above the rainforest floor, Kakum National Park’s 350-meter canopy walkway—built in 1995—is Africa’s first and longest, offering views of rare wildlife like forest elephants and monkeys. What you didn’t know: Constructed with help from Canadian volunteers using local materials, it draws 200,000 visitors yearly, boosting eco-tourism while preserving one of West Africa’s last primary rainforests.

Pan-African Legacy: Cradle of Modern African Independence

Ghana became the first sub-Saharan nation to gain independence in 1957 under Kwame Nkrumah, who coined “neo-colonialism” and hosted the All-African Peoples’ Conference, inspiring liberation movements continent-wide. Intriguing detail: Nkrumah’s vision led to the Organization of African Unity (now AU) in 1963, and Ghana’s Black Star Gate symbolizes this—yet his overthrow in 1966 highlights the fragile balance between idealism and power.