Long before the influx of foreign programmes, there was a time local content graced various television screens in the country.
This was the era the Ghanaian movie industry was bursting with entertaining content; one that got many glued to their seat in anticipation of how the next chapter unfolded.
Some of the programmes showed weekly, were recorded in local language, most often, Twi, which is arguably a predominant local language in Ghana.
www.ghanaweb.com has come up with some television shows which kept the Ghanaian television vibrant in past times:
Taxi Driver
The 1998 hit comedy series chronicled the daily encounters of taxi drivers in a rather hilariously exaggerative way.
The driver (Psalm Adjeteyfio) found himself always being threatened by his ‘braggart’ boss while having to also deal with the affairs of his home with a demanding wife.
The highlight of the TV sitcom was how the driver always signed off at the end of each episode with “see ya” (See you).
Things We Do for Love
This series could be described as one that birthed the talents of quite a number of popular actors. It took viewers through some behavioural patterns of the adolescent while educating the public on how to deal with peer pressure.
Some of the popular artistes include, Annan Adjetey known for his ‘Pusher’ character, Jackie Appiah, and Majid Michel.
Cantata
The Ghana Television’s (GTV) most popular television show of all times; Cantata, was one which will forever be etched on the hearts of Ghanaians. Its witty and dramatic nature had its excited viewers looking forward to the series on Sundays.
The programme was written, directed and produced by the famous Nana Bosompra II, and had interesting actors like Abrobe and Mama Zimbe.
Inspector Bediako
The action packed TV series focused on the life of an incorruptible police officer bent on fighting crime and bringing criminals to justice.
Its popularity had many people mimicking the life of the main character, Oscar Provencal. The series did not have a dull moment since the law (Inspector Bediako) and its perpetrators (Criminals) were always at each other’s throat.
Sun City
The television series, introduced in the early 2000, was shot in a university environment. The show was based on stories, activities and occurrences on the university campuses.
Shot on locations at the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast, the character profile included Ekow Smith-Asante who featured as Percy Osei Bonsu a third year computer science student and a playboy, Nawela Mohammed (Aaron Annan Yeboah), a political science major and a prince from the Northern Region of Ghana well read and sharp; Jaclyn Kusi (Herty Adu-Twumwaa), a second year social science student, who makes it her business to know everybody’s business and Sharon Jones (Suzzy Malaika Williams), a second year English student who spent all her time reading Ebony, Vanity Fair and worshipping her body.
Key Soap Concert Party
The local series which was usually live broadcast, was one of the few entertaining shows which rapidly gained its popularity few times it was shown on TV.
With the comedy featuring comedians, Bob Okala and Nkomode, preceding the show, it was followed by a short drama which was full of humor and moral lessons.
The highlight of this live show was a competition to find the best comedian in Ghana dubbed, “Who is Who?” The competition run for a number of years and many comedians were adjudged “The Champions of Comedy”.
Agoro
Hosted by veteran actor David Dontoh, the popular quiz program saw contestants go head to head to show who was smartest in Ghanaian culture.
Winners walked away with thousands of cedis. The educative yet entertaining show had Ghanaians practicing their knowledge of Ghanaian proverbs by attempting to answer some of the questions that were being asked.
By the Fire Side
The storytelling series had tales being told by host, Grace Omabo about the many tales of an imaginary cunning spider, ‘Kwaku Ananse’.
With about 15 children sitting in a circle, Grace Omaboe, sometimes assisted by Uncle Roktot, told stories of the sly character of the spider while pointing out lessons on greed and lies.