The Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), Kafui Danku-Pitcher, has made known her avowed commitment to revive Ghana’s once upon a time vibrant film industry.
Barely over a month into her new role, Kafui has already begun stirring conversations with her plans to reform and re-energise the movie sector.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z with host Kwame Dadzie on April 12th, 2025, Kafui spoke with passion and confidence, stating:
“When we grant interviews addressing our problems in the industry, apart from reviving the cinema culture, we also talk mainly about funding and distribution. It runs across most of the interviews; at least 99% of them.This has been one of the challenges we face in the industry. So we want to work towards getting the film fund, and also I’m going to get the industry working again.”
Kafui’s words were not just hopeful but were a declaration of action. Since stepping into office, she has been meeting with key players in the film space to lay a solid foundation for a fresh start.
Though she acknowledged the value of summits like the Africa Cinema Submit, she hinted at a more hands-on approach.
“I’ve seen what they’ve done in the past; it looks good and amazing, but I have my own concerns. I know these summits are very necessary, but I like more action than just summits. Maybe we will bring the Africa Cinema Submit back,” she said.
Her statements signal a shift from talk to tangible outcomes; something many stakeholders in the film industry have been longing for.
One of Kafui’s first moves in office is the enforcement of a licensing and classification system for all film content in Ghana. Through a press release issued on the NFA official social media platform on April 11th 2025, she reminded filmmakers of the need to comply with the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935).
“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 Chana must be classified by the NFA.
‘A person shall not exhibit or cause to be exhibited a film unless the film has been passed and classified by the NFA. This regulation aims to streamline, develop, and uphold standards in Ghana’s growing film ecosystem, and applies to feature films, short films, trailers, tv series, documentaries, adverts, music videos and other audio-visual content exhibited in cinemas, on television, online streaming platforms, or in any public space.
Stakeholders are to note that effective 1st May 2025, a new enforcement measure will be applied to the film classification process: Every producer, distributor or exhibitor submitting content for classification must hold a valid Film Producer / distributor / exhibitor licence issued by the NFA,” the release stated.
Effective May 1, 2025, any producer, distributor, or exhibitor must obtain a valid licence from the NFA before submitting content for classification. This move, according to the authority, aims to standardise the growing film sector and protect public interest, especially children.
The push for regulation is not entirely new. In 2021, the first Classification Committee under the NFA, led by SocrateSafo, began enforcing similar rules. That effort, however, lost momentum, and the committee’s work eventually stalled. But under Kafui’s leadership, the initiative is back, stronger and clearer.
According to the law, anyone who wishes to show audiovisual content must submit it for review at least 21 days before screening. Unclassified content shown in public spaces could attract penalties under Section 27 of Act 935.
Kafui’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Ghana’s film industry, which has faced years of decline due to funding issues, weak distribution structures, and poor regulation. But with her experience in the creative industry and her early signs of dedication, many believe she is the right person to lead a turnaround.
She has not only spoken about plans but is already taking steps to clean the system and create opportunities. With the reintroduction of film classification enforcement and a renewed call for filmmakers to register with the NFA, she is restoring order back into the industry.
