“Partner with Ga State to promote culture through film” - Ga Mantse urges Charterhouse Productions

The Ga Mantse, His Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has urged Charterhouse Productions to collaborate with the Ga State in using film and creative arts to promote African culture, values, and history.

His Majesty made the call when the Executive Chairman of Charterhouse Productions, Mr. Iyiola Ayoade, paid a courtesy call on him at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra.

Responding to Mr. Ayoade’s remarks on the historical connection between Ghana and Ile-Ife, the Ga Mantse reaffirmed the spiritual and cultural bond between the two peoples, describing Ile-Ife as the “source” and “origin” of many ancient traditions in West Africa.

“We have to embark on this project,” His Majesty said. “It may not be a large place, but it is the source—the origin. We lived in Ife for more than 200 years. Though our roots trace back to Israel, Ife was our home for a very long time before we eventually dispersed and migrated. This project is a sacred venture, and I truly believe that you will partner with us to make it a reality.”

The Ga Mantse commended Charterhouse for its longstanding contribution to Ghana’s creative industry and encouraged the company to establish a production studio within the Ga State to strengthen cultural collaboration.

“Charterhouse has a lot to contribute within this house,” he noted.

“You should come and set up a studio here and begin to work, because there is so much we can achieve together. Film has become a powerful tool of communication, and we must use it to impact our youth, our lives, and society as a whole.”

His Majesty further explained that his engagement with Mr. Ayoade was not only of cultural significance but also symbolic of unity between Ghana and the Source—Ile-Ife.

“I have delivered the message from Ife,” the King stated. “And I could not have come to deliver the message from Ife without first coming here.”

On his part, the Executive Chairman of Charterhouse Productions, Mr. Iyiola Ayoade, expressed his deep appreciation to the Ga Mantse for granting audience to his delegation, describing Ghana as his “second home” after living and working in the country for over 30 years.

“About 30 years ago, work brought me to Ghana as an expatriate, but love kept me here,” he said.

“Together, we built a major marketing communications group, Charterhouse, specializing in events, advertising, and television production. We have operated from Kaneshie for nearly 20 years, and Ghana has truly become home for us as a company.”

Recounting a recent visit to Ile-Ife, Mr. Ayoade said his delegation was inspired to explore the historical ties between the Source (Ile-Ife) and the Ghana Traditional Council.

“During our visit to Ile-Ife, we met with locals who remembered Your Majesty’s visit and spoke warmly of the relationship between our peoples,” he said. “They sent a message asking how we can foster a closer relationship between the Source and the Ghana Traditional Council. We are here as messengers and as a business willing to facilitate any initiative in that direction.”

He further emphasized the growing importance of film and creative media as tools for cultural communication and youth empowerment, calling for collaboration between the palace and Charterhouse to promote cultural heritage through visual storytelling.

“We believe film is now one of the most powerful means of communication,” Mr. Ayoade stated. “We must use it to impact our youth, shape society, and preserve our shared heritage.”

The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of goodwill and a shared commitment to explore new avenues for collaboration in culture, media, and youth development, deepening the historic ties between Ghana and Nigeria.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith