HOPE IGNITED- National Film Authority’s New Leadership Engages Film Industry Stakeholders.

The National Film Authority (NFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a thriving and globally competitive film industry with a high-level stakeholder engagement meeting held at the Accra Tourist Information Centre. The meeting marked the first official interaction between the newly appointed leadership of the NFA and key industry players, providing an opportunity to discuss challenges, explore solutions, and strengthen collaboration.

The engagement was led by Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher, Executive Secretary of the NFA, and Mr. James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary. The discussions focused on introducing the new leadership, gaining insights into the needs of the industry, and laying the groundwork for policies that will drive sustainable growth in Ghana’s film sector.
Representatives from major industry associations, including the Ghana Actors’ Guild (GAG), Film Producers’ Association of Ghana (FiPAG), Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA), Women in Film and Television, Audio Visual Rights Society of Ghana (ARSOG), Film Crew Association of Ghana (FiCAG), Film Distributors and Marketers, Animators Association of Ghana (AAG), Film Directors Guild of Ghana (FDGG), Northern Region Filmmakers Association, and Silverbird Cinemas (Exhibitors), were in attendance. Their participation underscored the significance of the dialogue and the industry’s collective interest in shaping its future.

During the discussions, stakeholders raised key challenges affecting the sector, including limited financing for film productions, weak copyright enforcement, inadequate capacity-building programs, and the need for stronger legislative support. Industry representatives emphasized the urgency of implementing the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to provide legal backing for film sector regulations, including tax incentives and funding structures. Mr. George Bosompem, PRO for GAFTA, highlighted that policy reforms must cater to these concerns to ensure a more structured and enabling environment for filmmakers.

Another pressing issue discussed was the need for a more streamlined structure for film guilds and associations. Ken Fiati, Technical Committee Chairman of the Ghana Actors’ Guild (GAG), stressed the importance of creating a more unified industry with clear operational guidelines. He also advocated for regular training and capacity-building programs to enhance the skills of actors, producers, and other industry professionals.
Addressing these concerns, Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher reiterated the NFA’s commitment to open dialogue, strategic policymaking, and fostering an environment where all industry players can thrive. She emphasized that stakeholder engagement would remain a priority, ensuring that industry professionals are actively involved in shaping policies and initiatives.

Mr. James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary, assured stakeholders of the NFA’s dedication to advocating for policies that address their needs. He highlighted the importance of partnerships, investment, and infrastructure development in positioning Ghana as a leading film production hub in Africa.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the NFA to establish a structured framework for continuous engagement with industry stakeholders. Moving forward, the Authority will facilitate regular consultations and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Ghana’s film sector, improving regulatory frameworks, and expanding opportunities for local content creators.

This engagement marks a significant step toward a more sustainable, structured, and globally competitive Ghanaian film industry, reinforcing the NFA’s vision of making Ghana an ideal destination for film production and distribution on the international stage.