Ernest Abbeyquaye

Ernest Abbeyquaye started in 1960 as a student in the pioneer class of the Arts Council Acting School. Graduated from University of Ghana, school of Performing Arts (Drama and Theatre Arts Major). He was tutor of English, Literature and Drama between 1966 and 1970. Between 1972-1975 he undertook postgraduate professional training at the prestigious National Film and Television School at Beaconfield, Bucks, U.K. In 1978 he became a group tutor at the National Film Institute (NAFTI) rising to become the first Head of Studies and also the institute's Deputy managing director. He worked for many years with Ghana Films Industry Corporation (GFIC) rising to become its executive producer. He also worked briefly with Samuelson Film Services Ltd. U. K Ernest Abbeyquaye has taken many assignments in film production. He has travelled extensively throughout Ghana and abroad. He has written and directed numerous features and documentaries. He came under fire whilst documenting peace keeping operations of Ghanaian soldiers serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon. He has taken two pilgrimage tours to Jerusalem. Ernest has filmed in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Eritrea During his filming career he has interviewed Head of States, generals, Academics, Politicians, Farmers, Market women, workers and children. He served as a UNESCO consultant on the use of film and television for rural development. He was a local co-ordinator for Yorkshire T.V in Ghana during the production of The Dying of the Light (1992). He was local fixer for Deadly Voyage (1996), an HBO-BBC production in Ghana. In 1995, he directed the stage musical and drama "King Lions Law" He co-directed a pilot "Hopes on the Horizon" a Blackside (Boston) and Multi Media Africa Production funded by the Ford Foundation. He directed a stage musical "Fairy tale Africa" a Ghana/Nigeria musical drama earmarked for a U.S. tour.