Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso has expressed confidence that her latest production, Agency for the Dead, will deliver abundant laughter, describing the ghost themed comedy as potentially the funniest film her production team has created.
Speaking on Tuesday after the film’s media premiere, Frimpong-Manso explained that the production was conceived as a humorous departure from conventional ghost stories, drawing inspiration from Ghanaian folklore, cultural beliefs and childhood memories.
“We wanted to make something light and funny. I love ghost stories,” she said, explaining her desire to explore the subject through an entertaining and unconventional perspective.
Although ghost stories are traditionally associated with fear, mystery and suspense, the filmmaker said she enjoys reimagining how supernatural characters can be portrayed. She linked this creative approach to her earlier production, A Sting in the Tale, which also explored an alternative perspective on familiar storytelling themes.
“I always like to bring a twist to what ghosts can be,” she explained.
With Agency for the Dead, however, comedy takes centre stage. Despite her experience producing several films, Frimpong-Manso believes the latest project distinguishes itself through its strong comedic elements and its potential to generate laughter among audiences.
“I can say that perhaps Agency for the Dead is probably the purest comedy we have done,” she said.
“For me to hit my chest and say this is probably the funniest film we’ve done, then you know what I mean.”
Beyond its comedic appeal, the filmmaker indicated that the production contains layers of irony and meaning that audiences will gradually discover as the narrative progresses. She encouraged viewers to appreciate the film not only for its humour but also for the ideas and interpretations embedded in its storyline.
“There’s a lot to take away, but I think most importantly, Agency for the Dead is entertaining,” she said.
The production also draws on familiar Ghanaian perceptions of ghosts, incorporating cultural references that may evoke nostalgia among viewers who grew up hearing traditional stories about the supernatural.
Frimpong-Manso explained that the film revisits childhood recollections and longstanding Ghanaian myths, connecting audiences with aspects of the country’s cultural heritage while offering an imaginative glimpse into the possibility of life beyond the physical world.
“There’s also a lot here that would remind you of our childhood, the Ghanaian myth about ghosts, and we speak about some of that in the film,” she said.
“So it will remind you of Ghana in the old days and some of our myths, and then, of course, perhaps you catch a glimpse of what happens on the other side.”
Despite the enjoyment associated with making a comedy, Frimpong-Manso cautioned against the assumption that the genre requires little effort. She stressed that creating material capable of consistently making audiences laugh demands considerable creativity and skill.
“People think that comedy is too easy, but to let people laugh, it’s a big thing,” she said.
She also commended the cast for their dedication to bringing the screenplay to life, highlighting the contributions of Joselyn Dumas, Anita Erskine, George Quaye, Mawuli Gavor, David Dontoh and Omari Dwamena.
According to the filmmaker, the cast members recognised the screenplay’s entertaining qualities from the beginning and readily embraced the humorous direction of the production.
“Everybody also agreed immediately that the script was good fun,” she added.
With its combination of comedy, Ghanaian folklore, nostalgia and supernatural themes, Agency for the Dead seeks to offer audiences an entertaining cinematic experience while presenting a fresh interpretation of familiar ghost stories.
