The National Film Authority has informed film practitioners to register with the authority for their licences to enable classification of their films.

A press release signed by the Executive Secretary Kafui Danku-Pitcher states: "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."

According to the law, "a person shall not exhibit or cause to be exhibited a film unless the film has been passed and classified by the NFA."

The release also indicates that 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 of the film industry 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."

Background

In 2021, the first Classification Committee of the National Film Authority was formed to start taking action against audio-visual content creators who refused to present their works for classification.

A statement signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Socrate Safo, cited May 1, 2021 as the effective date to start the operation of the directive.

He indicated that after several consultations with various stakeholders of the audiovisual industry in Ghana, no television station, cinema theatre, or movie screening centre shall show any unclassified audio-visual content.

The statement added that a right owner, licensee, or assignee who desires to exhibit audio-visual content shall submit the content to the Film Classification Committee for examination and classification at least twenty-one days before the intended exhibition. Anyone who failed to comply with the set rules shall be subject to the Offences and Penalties in Section 27 of the Development and Classification of Film Act 935.

The categories of audio-visual content set within the scope of materials to be classified by the Film Classification Committee are feature film, short film, TV Series and selected TV programmmes, documentary, advertisement, and music video.

The Film classification rules shall apply to selected television programmes that directly impact the socio-cultural and moral conscience of the people of Ghana; for example, sex education programs, talk shows, among others.

However, the rules shall not apply to other types of television programming – such as news, newsreel and current affairs programmes, sports, events, games, teleshopping, and in-house productions by the various television stations.

The audio-visual content shall be classified for free-to-air television, cinema theatres and movie centres, posters/publicity materials, film Library, and new media.

The committee examines and classifies films and other audio-visual content meant for public exhibition in Ghana to ensure conformity to the national aspirations, moral and cultural standards, protection of children from premature exposure to adult experience, and provision of consumer advice to enable individuals and parents to make informed viewing choices for themselves as well as for children in their care.Ghanaian fashion

It also takes into consideration the protection of children from exposure to disturbing and harmful materials.

The work of the classification committee became ineffective after activities to advance the cause halted.

The Film Classification Committee was a body formed by the National Film Authority and mandated by the Development and Classification of Film Act 935 to preview and classify any audio-visual content intended for public exhibition in Ghana.

The National Film Authority (NFA) is mandated to regulate, nurture, and develop the Ghanaian film industry, ensuring its legal framework and promoting its growth. This includes enforcing regulations for production, distribution, exhibition, and marketing of films, as well as promoting Ghanaian films both domestically and internationally.