Filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso has described her latest production, “Agency for the Dead,” as what could be the funniest film she has ever made.
Speaking at the film’s media premiere on October 20, 2026, Shirley Frimpong-Manso said the upcoming comedy was intentionally developed as a light-hearted project, drawing inspiration from the ghost stories many Ghanaians grew up hearing.
“We wanted to make something light and funny. I love ghost stories and I always like to bring a twist to what ghosts can be,” she said.
READ ALSO:
According to the director, those childhood tales became the foundation for a story that blends comedy with familiar Ghanaian myths and beliefs about the supernatural.
“There’s also a lot here that would remind you of our childhood, the Ghanaian myths 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.”
While Agency for the Dead leans heavily into comedy, Shirley Frimpong-Manso said audiences should expect more than just laughs. She noted that the film contains underlying themes and life lessons, even as entertainment remains its primary focus.
“There’s a lot to take away, but I think most importantly, Agency for the Dead is entertaining, 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.”
She also reflected on the demands of producing comedy, arguing that the genre is often underestimated despite being one of the most difficult to execute successfully.
“People think that comedy is too easy, but to make people laugh is a big thing,” she said, adding that the film represents what she considers the purest comedy her production team has made to date.
Set for release in cinemas on October 30, 2026, “Agency for the Dead” follows two sisters who stage ghostly encounters in an attempt to avoid eviction. Their plan backfires when their deception accidentally invokes real ghostly entities, forcing them to navigate a series of chaotic and often hilarious events.
As the situation spirals out of control, the sisters must outsmart suspicious detectives, seal the opened veil between the living and the dead.
The film stars Anita Erskine, David Dontoh, George Quaye, Joselyn Dumas, Mawuli Gavor, Omari Dwamena, Rhoda Ampene and Yvonne Okoro.
