The National Film Authority (NFA) has reminded filmmakers and exhibitors to register and acquire licenses to enable the classification of their films before public exhibition.
In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary, Kafui Danku-Pitcher, the NFA emphasized that the directive aligns with the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935), which mandates that all films intended for public viewing in Ghana must be classified by the Authority.
The statement reads, “In accordance with the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935), the National Film Authority (NFA) reminds all filmmakers and exhibitors that all films intended for public exhibition in Ghana must be classified by the NFA.”
The law stipulates that “a person shall not exhibit or cause to be exhibited a film unless the film has been passed and classified by the NFA.”
The Authority noted that the regulation is part of efforts to streamline and uphold standards in Ghana’s expanding film industry. It applies to all forms of visual content, including feature films, short films, trailers, TV series, documentaries, advertisements, music videos, and other audio-visual works, whether shown in cinemas, on television, on streaming platforms, or at public gatherings.
The NFA also announced that starting May 1, 2025, a new enforcement policy will require producers, distributors, and exhibitors submitting content for classification to first obtain a valid Film Producer, Distributor, or Exhibitor license issued by the Authority.
Background
In 2021, the NFA inaugurated its first Film Classification Committee to enforce the classification law, warning content creators against the public exhibition of unclassified works.
A statement issued by the Committee’s Chairman, Socrate Safo, set May 1, 2021, as the effective date for compliance, after extensive stakeholder consultations.
The regulation covers feature films, short films, TV series, documentaries, advertisements, music videos, and selected TV programmes. However, it exempts news, current affairs programmes, sports, events, games, teleshopping, and in-house productions by television stations.
Right owners, licensees, or assignees are required to submit audio-visual content for classification at least 21 days before its intended public release. Failure to comply will attract sanctions under Section 27 of Act 935.
The classification process aims to ensure content meets Ghana’s cultural and moral standards, protects children from exposure to inappropriate material, and helps the public make informed viewing decisions.
The NFA reaffirmed its commitment to developing and promoting the Ghanaian film industry both locally and internationally, while safeguarding the public interest through regulation.
