Renowned Ghanaian actor and filmmaker, Bill Asamoah, has called on the government to expedite the passage of the Legislative Instrument (LI) required to operationalise the Ghana Film Act, 2016 (Act 935). Speaking on Luv FM, he said the legislation is critical for strengthening institutions like the National Film Authority (NFA) and addressing long-standing challenges in the local movie sector.

“We need the LI in place to strengthen institutions like the National Film Authority. Everything the industry is lacking is addressed within this legislation; it is the one-stop solution the film sector needs,” Mr Asamoah stated.

The Ghana Film Act, enacted in 2016, provides a framework for regulating the industry, including introducing a licensing regime for filmmakers, creating a Film Development Fund, and enhancing film distribution networks. However, nearly a decade after its passage, the LI required to implement the Act has yet to be tabled.

Mr Asamoah emphasised the economic and cultural potential of the local film industry, noting that it could serve as a major vehicle to promote Ghana internationally.

“Government should realise that the film industry can sell Ghana more than probably investing in football,” he said.

He also highlighted the contrast between domestic and diaspora support, observing that while local interest in Ghanaian films remains limited, Ghanaians abroad continue to value and support homegrown productions.

Reflecting on industry challenges, the filmmaker acknowledged that local producers have sometimes failed to leverage technological advancements but expressed optimism about future growth. “We did not take advantage of some technological advancements along the way, but there is more room for improvement,” he noted.

Mr Asamoah also called on Ghanaians to show patriotism by supporting local films, stressing that both government intervention and citizen engagement are necessary for the sector’s revival. “Long and short of it is that we need to change our mindset as a people. If we truly want the industry to grow, we have to be patriotic; we have to support our own, whether good or bad. Government has to put in certain structures so that the industry can work and work well,” he urged.

The actor’s comments come amid ongoing calls from stakeholders in the creative arts for the government to prioritise policy and legislative frameworks that can unlock the commercial and cultural potential of Ghana’s film sector.