Ghana’s film industry has received a major boost following the official launch of the Film Development Fund by the National Film Authority with a 20 million Ghana cedis seed capital from government.
The launch took place on Wednesday, May 20, at the Silverbird Cinema Accra and also featured the inauguration of the Film Development Fund Management Committee and the Film Classification Committee.
The initiative is expected to provide much-needed financial support and create opportunities for stakeholders across the film value chain including filmmakers, producers, distributors, exhibitors, content creators and industry entrepreneurs.
The CEO of the National Film Authority, Kafui Danku-Pitcher, described the Film Development Fund as one of the most significant institutional interventions introduced to tackle long-standing financing issues within Ghana’s movie industry.
According to the NFA boss, the Fund is expected to support sustainable business growth, create jobs, expand audience reach and increase the global visibility of Ghanaian films and storytelling.
The authority also stressed the importance of building an enabling environment for the industry through strong policies, innovation, strategic collaborations and improved audience engagement.
As part of efforts to ensure transparency and proper administration, two committees were inaugurated to oversee the implementation and regulation of the initiative.
The first was the Film Development Fund Management Committee which will be responsible for the strategic administration and management of the Fund.
Members include:
Mawuko Kweku Afadzinu – Chairperson
Kafui Danku-Pitcher – Executive Secretary
Samuel D. Clarkson Acheampong – Member
George Bosompim – Member
Selassie Ibrahim – Member
Michael Owusu-Ansah – Member
Augustine Abbey – Member
Gyasiwa Ansah – Member
Kofi Adinkra – Member
There was also a Film Classification Committee which is expected to help regulate content creation standards and promote responsible filmmaking practices within Ghana’s evolving film ecosystem.
The committee members are:
Joseph K. Amoah – Chairperson
Lord Adama Akwetey Kanyi – Member
Gilbert Ekow Ampah – Member
Dr. Baba Haruna – Member
Very Rev. Helena Opoku-Sarkodie – Member
Issah Mahama – Member
Ototuasuo Kantamanto Oworae Agyekum III – Member
Daniel Clerk – Member
Imam Adam Musah Abubakar – Member
Karikari Bediako – Member