“I Refused to Be Bought” — Lilwin Snubs $20,000 to Drop His Ibrahim Traoré Biopic

Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lilwin, has made a stunning revelation about an alleged attempt to bribe him into abandoning his upcoming biographical film about Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the transitional leader of Burkina Faso.

In a video shared on social media, Lilwin disclosed that a man claiming to represent Burkinabé interests approached him on set, carrying an envelope with $20,000 and instructions to stop production immediately.

Rather than accept the offer, Lilwin says he rejected the money outright and returned the envelope. “They wanted to buy our silence,” he said. “But this story is bigger than any sum of money.”

The planned film, which is still in development, aims to portray Captain Traoré’s journey from grassroots soldier to revolutionary leader, a narrative Lilwin believes reflects a broader Pan-African struggle for dignity, leadership, and youth empowerment.

Calling the bribe an act of intimidation, Lilwin reaffirmed his respect for Burkina Faso’s people and the revolutionary ideals Traoré symbolizes. “This film honors their struggle,” he noted. “It’s not about politics or profit—it’s about celebrating African leadership and inspiring a new generation.”

News of the alleged bribe has sparked widespread debate online, raising concerns about artistic freedom, censorship, and the interference of power in cultural storytelling. Despite the controversy, Lilwin remains undeterred.

“This film will go on,” he stated. “It will be told on our terms, with integrity, and as a tribute to African resilience and hope.”