In this week’s Throwback Thursday feature, GhanaWeb shines a light on the 1983 Ghanaian film Kukurantumi – The Road to Accra, a cinematic classic that vividly captures the hopes, struggles, and realities of rural-urban migration in Ghana during the early 1980s. (ghanaweb.com)
The film tells the story of Addey, a hardworking lorry driver from the village of Kukurantumi, who journeys to Accra in search of better opportunities after losing his job in his hometown. Along the way, Addey encounters a series of challenges and eye-opening experiences that highlight the contrasts between rural life and the fast-paced realities of Ghana’s capital city. The narrative deftly explores themes of ambition, perseverance, and the pursuit of a better life — themes that resonated deeply with audiences then and continue to be relevant today.
What makes Kukurantumi – The Road to Accra stand out is its authentic portrayal of Ghana’s social landscape during the early 1980s. The film presents a rich depiction of village life, the daily struggles of ordinary people, and the culture surrounding Ghana’s lorry transport system. The roads, vehicles, and interactions depicted in the movie serve not just as settings, but as symbols of movement, opportunity, and change.
The character of Addey embodies the thousands of Ghanaians who left rural communities in search of employment, education, or improved living conditions in urban centers. His journey underscores the reality that urban migration often brings both opportunities and challenges, from social adjustment to economic hardships, painting a nuanced picture of the pursuit of a better life.
Cinematically, the film is lauded for its realistic performances, compelling storytelling, and use of Ghanaian settings that give viewers an immersive experience of the period. The lorry, central to Addey’s profession, becomes a metaphor for progress and mobility, while the road itself symbolizes the journey between one’s roots and aspirations.
Beyond entertainment, the film also served as a social commentary, addressing issues such as rural-urban migration, youth unemployment, and the pressures of adapting to urban life. In many ways, Kukurantumi – The Road to Accra reflects a Ghana that was navigating rapid socio-economic changes, offering lessons on resilience, community, and ambition that remain relevant today.
Film historians often cite Kukurantumi – The Road to Accra as an example of how 1980s Ghanaian cinema blended storytelling with social messaging. During that era, filmmakers were intentional in highlighting societal issues while engaging audiences with relatable characters and narratives. The film remains a valuable cultural artifact, reminding contemporary audiences of the evolution of Ghanaian film and the enduring power of storytelling.
Today, revisiting this classic offers more than nostalgia. It allows viewers to reflect on Ghana’s transformation — from its roads, cities, and transport networks to the aspirations of its people. While the journey from Kukurantumi to Accra may look very different now, the human story at the heart of the film — the pursuit of opportunity and dignity — continues to resonate across generations.
Source: Thepressradio.com
