Fisherman Movie Wins Best Ghanaian Film as Lead Actor Claims Africa’s Top Honour

Accra, Ghana — The Ghanaian film The Fisherman has marked a major milestone for the country’s creative industry after winning Best Ghanaian Film at the just ended Regal Film Awards 2025, while its lead actor, veteran performer Ricky Adelayitar, emerged as Best Male Actor in a Leading Role, one of the most competitive acting honours on the African film circuit. The film which was produced by Kofi Owusu Afriyie and directed by Zoey Martinson also won the achievement in visual effects in Africa as well as the achievement in editing in Africa.

The multiple recognitions crowned a strong night for Ghanaian cinema at the awards ceremony held in Accra, which brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, regulators, and cultural leaders from across Africa. For many observers, the success of The Fisherman signaled a renewed confidence in Ghana’s ability to produce films that resonate beyond its borders.

An emotional Ricky Adelayitar received a standing ovation as he mounted the stage to accept his award. In his remarks, the seasoned actor reflected on a career that spans over four decades, describing the moment as his first award in forty years of professional work.

Ricky Adelayitar

“I thank the entire cast and crew who carried this story with discipline and heart,” Adelayitar said. “This role challenged me deeply, and I must give special appreciation to our casting director, Mawuko Kuadzi, who believed I was the right man to carry this character. This award belongs to all of us.”

Behind the scenes, casting director Mawuko Kuadzi, a member of the Casting Society of America and a recipient of the prestigious ARTIOS Award, described the recognition as a shared victory. He expressed gratitude to the producers for trusting his casting vision and for committing to a process that respected character depth and authenticity.

“When casting is taken seriously, stories breathe differently,” Mawuko Kuadzi noted. “The success of The Fisherman shows what is possible when producers allow craft to guide decisions.”

The film’s production team also thanked the awards organizers, noting that the recognition affirmed months of patient development and collaboration. According to the producers, the project was driven by a desire to tell a grounded Ghanaian story with universal emotional weight, a goal they believe has now been validated.

Reacting to the achievement after the awards, Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers, described The Fisherman as a turning point for Ghana’s film industry. He said the film’s reception proves that Ghanaian cinema can compete on the continental and global stage when backed by intentional investment and professional standards.

“We are not merely celebrating one film or one award,” Nana Dwomoh said. “The Fisherman is evidence that the Ghanaian film industry can be revived and repositioned. With the right financing, structure, and respect for creative expertise, Ghana can once again become a major force in African cinema.”

After the awards, Industry watchers have pointed to the film’s success as part of a broader shift, where African audiences and institutions are increasingly rewarding depth, performance, and storytelling quality over scale alone. For Ghana, the recognition has reopened conversations about policy support, private investment, and the need to treat film as both culture and industry.

The African Chamber of Content Producers urges leaders to invest in the creative economy as a tool for Africa’s development, while congratulating all Pan African award winners in the various Pan-African awards within the year. The Chamber also emphasizes that through vision, trust, and collaboration, African stories can achieve global reach and respect.