Popular Ghanaian actor Van Vicker has spoken out about his long-standing issues with renowned movie producer and CEO of Venus Films Production, Abdul Salam Mumuni.
Speaking in an interview on Okay FM, monitored by Ghana Weekend, Van Vicker revealed that his professional relationship with Mumuni dates back to the early days of his career when the producer gave him his first movie role.
“Abdul Salam Mumuni and I go way back. He gave me the first opportunity to be in a movie. But we started having friction around 2007. After that, we didn’t work together for about four or five years,” he said.
According to Van Vicker, their strained relationship deepened after he was informed that Mumuni made derogatory remarks about him on a Kumasi-based radio station.
“I was told Abdul Salam was on a radio station saying a lot about me, how he made me and was going to bring me down. But we are in 2025. Nobody’s destiny is in another person’s hands. Only God determines it. If you say you want to bring someone down, unless God approves it, it won’t happen. And I’m still here,” he stressed.
The award-winning actor also recalled turning down a project in 2011 after Mumuni rejected his proposal to co-produce a sequel to the hit Beyoncé film. “By co-producing, I meant investing, not for free. He didn’t want to sell the franchise, so I said fine. We didn’t work again until 2015 when he came back with a series,” he recounted.
Van Vicker further disclosed that Mumuni still owes him payment for that series, adding that he is not the only actor affected.
“Salam still owes me till today for that series. And I want him to know I’m not the only person he owes. I hear these stories from other actors and I’m grieved that a seasoned producer would do that. It’s not fair,” he said.
The actor broadened his comments to address the Ghanaian movie industry as a whole, criticising producers who fail to honour agreements with actors.
“It’s not just Salam. I’m speaking to all producers. It’s unfair to make actors work and not pay them what they’re worth. If you have challenges, communicate and explain. Even if you pay later, at least you paid. But to look people in the face and refuse to pay is not right,” he emphasised.
