Ghana Hosts Maiden National Film Dialogue to Boost Industry Growth

The National Film Authority (NFA) has held its first-ever National Film Dialogue to deliberate on how Ghana can build capacity, support local creativity, and create a thriving film industry. The event, held at the Cedi Conference Centre in Legon, brought together government officials, filmmakers, producers, and key stakeholders under the theme “Accelerating Industry Development.”

The dialogue highlighted pressing challenges facing the sector, including inadequate financing, limited training opportunities, infrastructure deficits, and weak distribution networks. Stakeholders agreed that without a strong policy framework and investment mechanisms, Ghana’s film industry risks falling behind its African peers.

Board Chairman of the NFA, Ivan Quashigah, stressed the economic potential of the industry, noting that if just one percent of Ghanaians attended local cinemas, the sector could generate up to GH₵16.5 million in revenue. He called for stronger collaboration between government, private investors, and industry players to unlock this potential.

The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, reaffirmed government’s commitment to making the creative arts a pillar of national development. He emphasized that Ghanaian films must continue to tell authentic stories that resonate both locally and internationally.

Practical solutions were also discussed. The Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA) pledged GHS 100,000 toward a proposed national film fund, while the NFA announced plans to introduce new training programs in storytelling, sound design, and visual production in partnership with global experts. Draft proposals for tax incentives and policies to attract investment are also being prepared for Cabinet approval.

Industry veterans including Fred Amugi, Martha Ankomah, Roselyn Ngissah, Nicki Samonas, and Bill Asamoah attended the event, underscoring its significance for the creative community. Participants proposed initiatives such as film-in-schools projects, mobile cinemas, and corporate partnerships to grow audiences and cultivate a culture of consuming local films.

The National Film Dialogue marks what many describe as a turning point for Ghana’s film sector. With global demand for African storytelling on the rise, the NFA believes the time is now to position Ghana as a competitive player on the international stage.