- Gloria Safo Advocates for Actor Safety
- Tragic Incident Sparks Call to Action
- Industry Urged to Prioritize Safety Precautions
In a recent interview with TV3, Ghanaian actress Gloria Safo emphasized the need for improved safety and welfare for actors and actresses while on film sets in Ghana. Her concerns follow the tragic death of Nigerian actor Junior Pope and other crew members in a river accident in Delta State, Nigeria, after a movie shoot.
Safo stressed that the film industry has consistently disregarded safety procedures on set, prioritizing vision over actor well-being. She urged stakeholders to reassess their commitment to safety, citing the recent incident as a wake-up call.
“We need to learn from this incident. We take many things for granted, including our safety and well-being. It’s not just about shooting in villages; even urban areas pose risks. Someone had to die for us to realize we’re taking crucial things for granted. We have a lot to do,” she said on The Ladies Circle Show on May 4.
Safo expressed concern about the risks actors take on set and called for a collective effort to prioritize safety precautions. She noted that when actors speak out against dangerous methods, producers and directors often ignore them, prioritizing their vision over performer safety.
“We must make a conscious effort to prioritize our safety on set. We take many risks, but I’m unsure if producers, directors, or filmmakers consider this. When you voice concerns, they often dismiss them, saying, ‘This is how I want it.’ It’s crucial to speak out and find alternative solutions,” she said.
Unlike others, Safo makes it a point to address issues bothering her on set, ensuring the comfort and safety of crew members. “I air my views on issues like costumes, food, and more because it’s vital,” she stated.
Gloria Safo’s advocacy for improved safety and welfare on film sets is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for actors and actresses in Ghana’s film industry.
