By Dimmachukwu Ndubuisi
Ghanaian voiceover artist and podcaster Prince Dan-Vessel is advocating for creating a voiceover association in Ghana, one he believes would be a game changer.
Dan Vessel, host of the VO Playbook Podcast—a platform that was birthed from his desire to help guide aspiring voice artists and restart relevant conversations like forming a voice-over industry in Ghana, as well as building a sense of community—made this known in a recent interview with Nigeria’s leading platform for voice-over artists, VoiceverseNG.
Speaking during the interview, Dan Vessel emphasized that a dedicated association for voice-over artists in his country would give Ghanaians a united voice, create opportunities for the industry’s growth, and assist in protecting the rights of voice actors.
“An association would be a game changer. First, it would give us a united voice to push for fair rates and proper contracts. Secondly, it would create opportunities for training and mentorship, so newcomers don’t have to figure everything out on their own. And importantly, it will help protect the rights of voice actors – from copyright issues to proper recognition. We need that foundation if we’re serious about growing the industry in Ghana.” He said.
Despite the abundance of talents, growing interests, and enormous opportunities in Ghana, Dan Vessel highlighted the lack of structure as a major constraint impeding the growth of its voice industry. He, however, remains confident that things will fall in place.
“The talent is here, no question about that. More people are recognising that voice-over is a legitimate career. But the challenge is, there’s still a lack of structure. Pricing is all over the place, contracts are not standard, and there’s little protection for artists.”
“However, the good thing is, there’s growing interest… The potential is huge; we just need to connect the dots properly.”
He also believes strongly in the power of community and collaboration, a culture which according to him could take Ghana’s Voice over industry to the next level, if adopted.
In his words of advice to aspiring talents, Dan Vessel urged them to take the initiative to just start with whatever is available and focus on consistency rather than waiting for the perfect time that may never come.
In his words, “Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start. Use what you have, even if it’s just your phone, to practice recording. Focus on improving your skills and understanding the business side of voice-over. And remember, your voice has value. Charge what you’re worth, and always keep learning.”
Scroll down for the full details of this engaging interview with Prince Dan Vessel, including his voice-over journey and vision for the VO scene in Ghana.
1. Your Voiceover Journey
What first drew you into the world of voiceovers, and how did your career get started in Ghana?
Funny enough, it all started back in secondary school. I never really thought of myself as “the voice guy,” but people kept pointing it out. Seniors would call me over just to hear me talk. Some even said I should be a journalist!
Growing up, I was also that kid who loved watching CNN, BBC, DW TV – you name it. But especially, I found myself mimicking the late Komla Dumor of the BBC Focus on Africa. He was an excellent Ghanaian journalist who exuded confidence and charisma. I just loved his presentation style. He made the news feel alive, and I admired the way he carried himself with such authority and warmth. I didn’t realise it then, but all of that was training my voice and shaping my passion.
After school, I tried to get an internship at a local FM station, but it didn’t work out. Instead of giving up, it made me more curious about what else I could do with my voice. That curiosity led me to explore voice-over seriously, and little by little, I started building my career right here in Ghana.
2. Starting The VO Playbook
What inspired you to launch The VO Playbook podcast, and what gap were you hoping to fill with it?
For me, The VO Playbook is about creating the platform I wish I had when I was starting out. There’s not much conversation around voice-over in Ghana, and even less guidance for beginners. I wanted to share not just my story but also give others the chance to learn from industry pros.
It’s also my way of restarting the conversation about forming a proper VO association in Ghana. We need to organise, and this podcast can help spark those important discussions while building a sense of community.
3. Observations on the Industry
How would you describe the current state of the voiceover industry in Ghana, both the progress and the gaps?
The talent is definitely here, no question about that. More people are recognising that voice-over is a legitimate career. But the challenge is, there’s still a lack of structure. Pricing is all over the place, contracts are not standard, and there’s little protection for artists.
However, the good thing is, there’s growing interest. Brands are using more voice-overs in their ads, content creators need narrators, and platforms are expanding. The potential is huge; we just need to connect the dots properly.
4. The Need for a VO Association
Why do you believe Ghana needs a dedicated voiceover association, and what impact do you envision it making?
An association would be a game changer. First, it would give us a united voice to push for fair rates and proper contracts. Secondly, it would create opportunities for training and mentorship, so newcomers don’t have to figure everything out on their own.
And importantly, it will help protect the rights of voice actors – from copyright issues to proper recognition. We need that foundation if we’re serious about growing the industry in Ghana.
5. Community and Collaboration
What kind of collaborations or collective efforts do you think could move the Ghanaian voiceover industry forward?
I believe in the power of community. Simple things like sharing job opportunities, creating workshops, or even forming small accountability groups can go a long way. Also, collaboration between voice talents, audio engineers, producers, and scriptwriters will help raise the standard of our work.
We need to stop seeing each other as competitors and start seeing ourselves as part of a movement that can grow bigger together.
Prince Dan Vessel has since created a voiceover community in Ghana—Ghana Voice Actors Community.
6. Advice for Newcomers
What one piece of advice would you give to someone just getting started in voiceovers in Ghana today?
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start. Use what you have, even if it’s just your phone to practice recording. Focus on improving your skill and understanding the business side of voice-over. And remember, your voice has value. Charge what you’re worth, and always keep learning.
7. Looking Ahead
What are your hopes for the future of The VO Playbook podcast and your broader vision for the Ghanaian VO scene?
I see The VO Playbook becoming the go-to resource for voice actors across Ghana and even Africa. I want to bring in industry leaders, have open conversations, and keep pushing for the formation of our VO association.
My bigger vision is to see Ghana on the map as a voice-over hub. We have the talent, we just need the structure and the belief that we can compete globally. And I believe we will get there.