The Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA) has donated GH₵100,000 to the National Film Authority (NFA) to support cinema development and infrastructure, in a move hailed as a major step in revitalising Ghana’s film sector.

The symbolic presentation took place at the NFA Conference Hall, where GAFTA executives handed over the cheque to NFA leadership. The amount represents usage fees received from Breakwater Studios, based in California, for archival footage used in a documentary about Ghanaian cinematography pioneer Rev. Chris Hesse.

Dr Fara Awindor, President of GAFTA, described the donation as the beginning of “an important chapter in the growth and development of our young but promising National Film Authority”.

He noted that the NFA’s sustainability requires continuous support from both within and beyond the creative industry.

Dr Awindor also highlighted GAFTA’s long-standing commitment to digitising Ghana’s film archives, particularly those kept outside the country. He referenced the decades-long advocacy by Rev. Chris Hesse to secure government backing for the preservation of Ghana’s celluloid materials housed at Iron Mountain, a storage facility in the United Kingdom.

“Protecting and digitising Ghana’s film heritage, especially the valuable materials housed abroad, is not just a technical exercise. It is a national imperative,” he said, adding that well-preserved archives serve as tools for education, research, and national pride, and could also be financially beneficial to the industry.

The GH₵100,000 is earmarked for the NFA’s Film Development Fund to support cinema initiatives and infrastructure development.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the NFA, Mr Kofi Adinkra, Head of Business Development and Marketing, expressed gratitude.

“You are the source of this home. You contributed immensely to creating what we have here, and we are happy to receive you,” he said. “This meeting is very special. I don’t think I’ve seen such heavyweights coming together like this since the authority was conceptualised, and I truly appreciate it.”

Also present at the event were Jamila Arthur, Legal Counsel at the NFA, and Georgina Aziedoime, the Authority’s Accountant.

Mr George Bosompim, GAFTA’s Public Relations Officer, explained that the idea for the donation emerged from earlier discussions between the two institutions. He noted that beyond the financial support, GAFTA also hopes to help rehabilitate the historic Rex Cinema, which was the first cinema acquired by Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

“We are happy to be back here to tell you that we’ve come to honour what we told you,” he said.

The GAFTA delegation included veteran filmmakers, board members and industry pioneers who have played key roles in shaping Ghana’s creative sector over the years. Their presence signalled a renewed commitment not only to preserving Ghana’s film history but also to shaping its future.

The donation marks a milestone in local reinvestment, with funds sourced from international interest in Ghanaian archival material now channelling back into national development.

“This is one of the many ways GAFTA is helping to unlock new opportunities for Ghanaian cinema. Let us continue to build structures that honour our past, support our present, and define our future,” said Dr Awindor.

As the cheque was handed over and cameras captured the moment, it was evident: Ghana’s film industry is moving forward with unity, vision and purpose.