Filmmaker and entertainment industry veteran Socrate Safo has defended the attention given to popular online streamer Speed during his recent visit to Ghana, saying it brought massive value to the country’s tourism sector.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie, Safo said many critics do not fully understand how modern tourism promotion works.
“I’ve heard people question why we are giving him so much attention,” he said. “They also don’t understand how the tourism industry works. So they have every right to question. They don’t know the relevance.”
He explained that Speed’s huge online following makes his presence a powerful marketing tool for Ghana.
“If you understand tourism, then you will know what it means to have somebody give you over 50 million eyeballs,” Safo stated, referring to Speed’s millions of followers on YouTube and Twitch.
According to him, tourism promotion has changed over the years, moving from print to digital platforms.
“Years ago, tourism promotion was through travel magazines placed in hotel receptions,” he said. “Today, technology allows people to see destinations live. When someone with 50 million followers comes to your country and puts the camera on you, you should understand the value.”
Safo also praised the way Ghana presented itself during Speed’s visit, saying the country made a strong impression.
“It showcased the country. I don’t see anywhere that we faulted,” he noted. “I think we gave one of the best presentations in all these 20 nations that he has gone to.”
He commended those who helped organize the visit and promote Ghana’s culture.
“From our cultural representation and all that, we did so well,” Safo added. “I commend the organisers, whoever was behind it. Somebody like Wode Maya, shoutouts to him as well.”
