The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC), Professor Eric Opoku Mensah, has described the donation of studio equipment worth $25,000 by the Elba Hope Foundation as a major investment that will help shape Ghana’s creative economy.
Speaking during the equipment donation on September 23, Prof. Mensah said the collaboration would contribute to Ghana’s broader vision of using the creative industry, including projects like the Marine Drive, to drive economic growth.
“We are happy to collaborate, and under my administration we will make sure this comes to fruition so we can build this ground together and turn the Marine Drive into a major contributor to Ghana’s economy through the creative industry,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Idris Elba, describing him as a “son of the land,” and assured that the donated equipment will be put to good use.
“We are proud of this collaboration, and we promise these gadgets will be treated with care, knowing that the more we make use of them, the more support will come,” he added.
The donation was made by the Elba Hope Foundation, founded by British actor Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina Elba, and presented on their behalf by Mariam K. Buahin, Chief Operating Officer of Akuna Group Ghana.
Buahin explained that the gesture was part of the foundation’s Creative Futures Programme, which seeks to provide young people with access to world-class training tools and opportunities in the creative and digital industries.
“This donation is not just about tools, it’s about opportunity. It will help students access world-class training and resources, strengthening Ghana’s film authority, industry, and creative economy,” she said.
The Elba Hope Foundation’s support is expected to enhance teaching and training at UNIMAC-Institute of Film and Television (IFT), giving students hands-on experience with modern studio equipment to prepare them for global competitiveness in film and media.
