The National Film Authority (NFA) has officially launched the Film Development Fund, a major initiative designed to address one of the film industry’s most persistent obstacles: access to financing.
The launch took place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Silverbird Cinemas in Accra Mall. It was accompanied by the inauguration of two key bodies: the Film Development Fund Management Committee and the Film Classification Committee. The government has released GH₵20 million as seed capital for the fund.
The National Film Authority (NFA) continues to reshape Ghana’s creative landscape as the key government body driving the growth of the local film industry.
Established in December 2016 under the Development and Classification of Film Act (Act 935), the NFA regulates film production, distribution, exhibition, and classification while promoting high-quality Ghanaian stories on both local and global stages.
Headquartered in Accra and operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Authority aims to build a self-sustaining, culturally rich film sector that boosts economic development and positions Ghana as a major African film hub.
Recent initiatives include reviving community cinemas and supporting local productions to reclaim audiences and strengthen the industry’s future.
Speaking at the event, Kafui Danku, CEO/Executive Secretary of the NFA, described the fund as a transformative step for the sector.
“The establishment of the Film Development Fund is one of the most significant institutional interventions towards addressing a long-standing challenge within the industry, particularly in the area of financing and investment support”
Kafui Danku , CEO/Executive Secretary of the NFA
She added that the fund aims to empower industry players to build sustainable businesses and elevate Ghanaian content globally:
“The Fund is therefore intended to create opportunities for filmmakers, producers, distributors, exhibitors, content creators, and industry entrepreneurs to grow more sustainable businesses, create jobs, expand audiences, and increase the global visibility of Ghanaian stories and content”
Kafui Danku , CEO/Executive Secretary of the NFA
Kafui Danku further emphasized the importance of governance and collaboration.
“The National Film Authority recognises that the future of the industry depends on how well we all can collectively contribute to creating an enabling environment with the right set of regulations to ensure development through audience engagement, access, innovation, and strategic partnerships”
Kafui Danku , CEO/Executive Secretary of the NFA
The Film Development Fund Management Committee, chaired by Mawuko Kweku Afadzinu with Kafui Danku serving as Executive Secretary, will oversee the administration and strategic direction of the fund. Other members include Samuel D. Clarkson Acheampong, George Bosompim, Selassie Ibrahim, and others.
Relevance of Funds
The Film Classification Committee, chaired by Joseph K. Amoah, will handle content regulation and standards.
Ivan Quashigah, filmmaker and Board Chairman of the NFA, struck a cautionary note at the launch. He urged industry practitioners not to treat the fund as a personal cash reserve or “bonanza.”
This launch represents a significant policy push to professionalize Ghana’s film industry, foster job creation, revive cinema culture, and position Ghanaian stories more competitively on the regional and international stage.
Success will hinge on transparent management, clear application guidelines, and equitable disbursement to quality projects.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development while calling for accountability and broad access across the value chain.
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