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ACTOR Fiifi Coleman has expressed his sentiments on the public appeals for support for aged actors, stating that the issue went beyond a mere crisis.
The plight of aged actors in Ghana is a longstanding problem that has been neglected for far too long.
Speaking at the launch of the Private Actors Welfare Scheme, an insurance coverage established by Fiifi Coleman Productions at Marriott Hotel, Airport City in Accra on Saturday, January 4, Fiifi Coleman mentioned that these veterans dedicated their lives to the entertainment industry, bringing joy and excitement to countless fans, yet they were often left to struggle in their old age. (Read Fiifi Coleman Productions launches Private Actors Welfare Scheme for actors)
“How many times have we seen our colleagues fall sick and watch helplessly as the public rallies to raise funds for their health care?
“How many funerals have we attended wondering how those who entertained millions couldn’t afford a dignified farewell?
“This isn’t just a crisis but a failed work. A failure of an industry to protect its own. A failure of a community to ensure the hands that feed them and built our dreams don’t crumble in despair,” he said.
Describing veterans as trailblazers, he said that it was rather unfortunate they were left at the mercy of the public in their most vulnerable states due to the lack of a sustainable system to support them.
He mentioned that it was important to create a relevant framework to ensure aged actors were well taken care of, not just when they were in crisis, but throughout their lives and the Private Welfare Scheme hoped to achieve that.
Paying tributes to some deceased actors such as SK. Ampofo, George Williams, Ekow Blankson, Super OD, Bob Santo, Araba Stamp and Psalm Adejeteyfio, among others, and living veterans, including Fred Amugi, Ben Abdallah, Mawuli Semevor, Edinam Atatsi, Fiifi commended them for setting the right path for the young generation of actors to enjoy today.
He, therefore, challenged his colleagues to adopt an aged, sick or those they know couldn’t afford to pay their insurance.
“What Fiifi Coleman Productions is trying to do here is to encourage those of us lucky to be in an industry in this age to be blessed with money, to be blessed with the wherewithal, to be blessed with the grace to affect other people’s lives to support our veterans.
“I’ve always said that back in the day, if social media were in existence, some of us might be driving the biggest Benz cars and that is the same with some aged actors who set the pace but couldn’t enjoy the fruits of their labour,” he stated.
A collaboration with Hollard Insurance, the Private Welfare Scheme aims, among other things, to secure the future of actors who are mostly left at the mercy of public funds for survival in their old ages when they are struck with illnesses.
