Classification of Films and Licensing of Film Exhibition Centres in Ghana

The attention of the National Film Authority (NFA) has been drawn to some discussions on social media on the requirement of the classification of films before they are exhibited and the licensing of exhibition centres. We hereby use this medium to clarify the issues as follows:

1.The NFA is a government agency mandated by the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935) to provide the legal framework for the production, regulation, nurturing and development of the Ghanaian film industry, and for the distribution, exhibition and marketing of films and for related matters.

2.It is the responsibility of the NFA to classify audio-visual content before they are exhibited in Ghana as stated in section 19 of Act 935, and to register and licence premises intended for the exhibition of films in Ghana as stated in section 10 of the Act. Section 10 of the Act states that “a person shall not exhibit or allow to be exhibited a film on any premises to which persons are admitted on the payment of a fee or any other consideration, unless that person has registered with the Authority and has been issued with a licence for the purpose”. Sections 12 and 13 of Act 935 clearly state the processes to go through to licence a premise before films can be exhibited at the said premise.

3. The NFA acknowledges the cinema infrastructure gap in Ghana and has placed it as one of the top priorities in its agenda and strategic direction. We commend and encourage all stakeholders such as churches, hotels, operators of open spaces etc who are collaborating with film producers to find creative and innovative ways to bridge this gap. This, we believe, will increase the number of premises to exhibit films across Ghana. It is however required that all such venues be licensed before they can show audio-visual content. The purpose for the licensing is to streamline the film distribution channels and ultimately protect the ordinary Ghanaian who goes out to watch films at various exhibition centres.

4.We therefore entreat all venue owners who wish to exhibit films at their premises to acquire a licence before doing so. The NFA welcomes your application and assures you of a convenient and seamless process.

5.To acquire a licence, please send an email to the NFA via licence@nfa.gov.gh or info@nfa.gov.gh and the NFA will be happy to assist you. You can also visit the NFA office at Accra Tourism Information Centre, Opposite Afrikiko, Accra. You may also call on +233(0) 509846023.

6.The NFA assures its stakeholders that it is ready to collaborate in streamlining the film industry.

Communication Team
National Film Authority
0509846023