Gov’t Allocates GH¢20m Film Development Fund To Boost Ghana’s Film Industry

The government has allocated GH¢20 million for the establishment of a Film Development Fund aimed at addressing financing challenges and supporting the growth of Ghana’s film industry.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, disclosed this during a Government Accountability Series engagement at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, August 10, 2026.

She said the allocation was made under the 2026 Budget and represents a major government intervention to strengthen the film industry and position it as a commercially viable part of Ghana’s creative economy.

According to the Minister, the Fund is expected to support activities across several areas of the film value chain.

These include film development and production, distribution and exhibition, capacity building and skills development, as well as innovation in animation, digital storytelling and new media.

Target to increase film’s GDP contribution

The National Film Authority (NFA), operating under the policy direction of the Ministry, has set a medium-term target of increasing the film sector’s contribution to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product from 0.2% to at least 1%.

The Minister said the target reflects the government’s intention to treat film not only as an entertainment activity but as a commercial and industrial sector capable of contributing to economic growth.

The sector is expected to support job creation, local and foreign investment and Ghana’s participation in regional and international content markets.

Wider economic impact

Although the direct contribution of film to GDP remains an emerging area, the Ministry said the industry has significant indirect economic impact.

Film and audiovisual production creates activity across areas including hospitality, broadcasting, advertising, events, logistics, digital platforms and tourism.

The industry is also described as an important source of employment for young people, with the majority of practitioners reportedly being below the age of 35.

NFA flagship programmes

The National Film Authority has implemented a number of programmes designed to stimulate activity across the film value chain.

One of these was the National Film Dialogue, held in September 2025.

The dialogue served as a platform for government, industry practitioners, investors and regulators to discuss major issues affecting Ghana’s film industry and to build alignment around priorities for the sector.

The NFA has also been working on measures aimed at improving regulation and creating a more professional and investment-friendly film environment.

Stronger regulation and industry databases

The National Film Authority has strengthened its film and television content classification systems while streamlining licensing and compliance processes.

The Authority has also engaged broadcasters, exhibitors and digital platforms as part of efforts to improve standards within the industry.

Another area of focus has been the development of national film databases and practitioner registries.

The measures are intended to improve content standards, protect audiences, support intellectual property and increase investor confidence in Ghana’s film industry.

GH¢20m Fund awaiting operational framework

While the government has allocated the GH¢20 million, the Ministry said the modalities required to operationalise the Film Development Fund are still being worked on.

According to the Minister, the modalities are currently being considered by Parliament.

Once operational, the Fund is expected to stimulate film production, improve the quality of Ghanaian content, create employment and strengthen Ghanaian intellectual property for both domestic and international markets.

The government’s intervention forms part of a broader effort to position Ghana’s creative industries as drivers of economic growth, employment, investment and cultural promotion.