Ghanaian actor Kwadwo Nkansah, also known as LilWin, has shared the main reason why he cast Nollywood actor Ramsey Nouah for the lead role in his movie “A Country Called Ghana.”
It could be recalled that after LilWin announced the cast list for his movie, which included Nigeria’s Ramsey Nouah, Charles Awurum, and Victor Osuagwu, popularly known as ‘Awilo Sharp Sharp,’ and Ghana’s Paa George, many questioned why he used Nigerian acts for his lead roles.
LilWin had explained that his casting choice was to generate international appeal for the movie and to get a Netflix listing.
In a new development, LilWin, speaking in an interview on Hitz FM on May 13, 2024, revealed that he had initially cast a Ghanaian actor for the lead role but had to engage Ramsey Nouah.
“When I initially did the casting, they were all Ghanaians, but because I wanted to push the movie for Netflix, I suggested some foreigners as well. So I suggested Awilo Sharp Sharp and Charles Awugah.
“Meanwhile, the person who was chosen to play the lead role as a white man was actually a Ghanaian. He is a popular actor here in Ghana,” he said.
He added that the actor after the necessary arrangements had been made, asked for an increment in the agreed fee once he learned that there were international acts involved.
“We had made the necessary arrangements, agreed on a price, and even taken his measurements for the costumes. By then, we hadn’t even thought about Ramsey Nouah.
“About 10 days before the beginning of the shooting, he called and said that the money he initially took was not favourable to him because he had heard that Nigerians were involved,” LilWin said.
He added that after agreeing to the demand for a raise, the actor said he would be available for only 10 days out of the intended 21-day shoot, which was inconvenient for LilWin.
After much pleading, LilWin cut ties with the actor and sought out another international act. Eventually, they landed on Ramsey Nouah.
“I understood his sentiment, and I agreed. But he later said that he could only shoot for 10 days. Meanwhile, we had planned to shoot for 21 days.
“We pleaded with him but he refused. So I got frustrated, and we decided not to beg him anymore.
“I suggested that we try one more Nigerian actor, and luckily for us, within those 10 days, we were able to get Ramsey Nouah on board,” he said.
