Access to funding has long been one of the biggest obstacles facing Ghana’s film industry.
Now, with a major intervention from the government, an injection of GH₵20 million by the President John Mahama, industry players are looking to the National Film Authority (NFA) for a transformative turnaround.
Speaking to entertainment journalist, Joseph Owusu Worae on the development, Deputy Executive Secretary of the NFA, James Gardiner, emphasized that the fund is strategically designed to strengthen the foundation of the industry rather than serve as a free-for-all cash distribution.
According to him, the allocation will focus on capacity building, film productions, workshops, masterclasses, and professional training, all aimed at equipping filmmakers and content creators with the tools needed to compete both locally and internationally.
Gardiner was quick to address concerns about fairness and accountability, stressing that no single individual has control over the disbursement process.
Instead, a structured system involving a dedicated committee and oversight board is in place to ensure transparency and proper evaluation of all applications.
“If you bring a project or proposal for support, we don’t sit on it. I don’t get to choose where the money goes. There’s a whole committee supervising it, and a board as well. It goes through all those steps before any decision is made,” he explained.
He further noted that Filmmakers seeking to benefit from the fund must be licensed by the NFA and demonstrate a credible track record within the industry.
The initiative is expected to not only finance productions but also professionalize the sector, ensuring that beneficiaries are equipped to deliver high-quality content that can elevate Ghana’s global film presence.
Story by Joseph Owusu Worae
