Beverly Afaglo: Producers Prioritize Connections Over Talent in Casting

The Ghanaian film industry faces numerous challenges, but one issue that actress Beverly Afaglo finds particularly troubling is the tendency of producers to cast actors based on personal connections rather than talent.

Afaglo expressed concern that this practice negatively affects the industry, as it compromises the quality of productions in favor of friendships and affiliations.

Beverly described the situation as alarming, stressing that it must be addressed to ensure the creation of high-quality content.

“In the past, the movie industry favored light-skinned actors, but now it has shifted to connections—who you know, who your friends are, and who comes to mind when casting. It’s no longer about talent; it’s about who you know. You just need the right connections, and you land a role,” she said.

Reflecting on her career’s early days, Beverly recalled the challenges faced by dark-skinned actors. She noted that producers typically preferred light-skinned actors for lead roles, leaving many dark-skinned actors, apart from established stars like Jackie Appiah, to struggle for significant roles.

“They were choosing light-skinned actors over us. We would audition, sometimes even have scripts ready, only for a fair-skinned newcomer to swoop in and take the role we thought was ours. That was the reality back then. Aside from Jackie, who was already a star despite being dark-skinned, the industry largely favored light-skinned actors. Many of them have faded over time, and you wouldn’t recognize them today. But back then, they were the ones landing lead roles, while we were given smaller parts,” she explained.

When asked if this approach has affected the quality of movies produced, Beverly didn’t directly respond but implied that it has influenced the industry’s development.

Shifting away from the casting issue, Beverly shared some exciting news about her upcoming project.

“Something is coming out soon—hopefully next month. It’s called Pimp’s Paradise, a short series,” she revealed enthusiastically.

On her role in the series, she added, “I’m playing the main pimp, Edna Saraf. I’m in charge of the girls who live in my house. I’m the one who fills the house,” she concluded.