A Forgotten TV Series Paints a Future Picture of a United Africa Network
A bold idea. An unprecedented collaboration. In the mid-90s, the dream of a United States of Africa broadcast network was a hot topic. It still is. We didn’t just talk about it — we built a bridge between Ghana and South Africa, creating a groundbreaking series of programs.
This wasn’t just a TV show; it was a proof-of-concept. The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and the South African Broadcasting Corporation teamed up, sending a Ghanaian morning show crew on assignment to South Africa.
The result?
A series of seven 40-minute episodes that not only entertained but also laid the groundwork for a much bigger idea. Now, nearly 30 years later, we’re unearthing this forgotten piece of television history.
The Original Collaboration
The Ghana TV Breakfast Show, a mid-90s hit known for its warm and conversational style, sent its crew to South Africa. The team, including presenters Akushika Acquaye and Earl Ankrah, were challenged to produce a single one-hour show.
Instead, as series producer and director I had the crew become the first videojournalists and they returned with a staggering seven-episode series.
The tapes, once lost, have been salvaged. They offer a rare glimpse into a historic collaboration, featuring a lineup of iconic figures:
* Quincy Jones
* Godfrey Moloi, the “Godfather of Soweto”
* Basetsana Makgalemele, Miss South Africa and Miss World runner-up
* Politician Frene Ginwala
* Advertising guru Dimape Serenyane
* Ghanaian musician George Larynoh
Why This Matters Today
This project was more than just a media collaboration; it was a cultural exchange. As an academic and creative technologist, I see these tapes as an invaluable resource.
They provide a unique look at African co-productions in the 90s, showing how we wove shared African values into the very fabric of the series. They remind us of the deep historical ties between Ghana and South Africa, e.g. Ghana’s support for ANC exiles.
The video below is a 10-minute snapshot of this ambitious project. It’s a testament to what’s possible when we dare to think big and a crucial historical document that’s ripe for a revisit.
What do these tapes tell us about the last 30 years? What have we gained, and where do we go from here? I’m excited to share this material at conferences and spark new conversations about the future of media in Africa.
You can find me here Gyimahd@cardiff.ac.uk or on my website for more info.
p.s. Sound quality requires equalising
