The Chairman of the National Film Authority (NFA) governing board, Ivan Quashigah, has announced plans to establish a national award scheme dedicated to the Ghanaian film industry.
Speaking in an interview with Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Quashigah explained that while several private awards already exist, a state-backed initiative would give the industry greater visibility and credibility.

“It’s important that we have an award programme as part of our agenda to push interest in Ghanaian films. Award shows provide recognition in the industry. When we are able to put that together, it throws some light on the winners as well as the whole industry. So it is important that we have something like that. There are a couple of them that are there but we need to have a national one,” he said.
The announcement comes after the NFA hosted its maiden industry dialogue on Wednesday, 16th September 2025, at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana. The event brought together filmmakers and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on the future of Ghana’s film industry.
Beyond the awards, the Authority outlined several programmes aimed at revitalising the industry. These include:
- A distribution drive targeting 1% of Ghana’s population.
- “Cinema on Wheels” to take films to communities without cinemas.
- Establishment of film clubs in schools.
- Dubbing of Ghanaian films into French and local languages.
- Integration of film and tourism initiatives.
- “Cinema in the Park” events.
- Regional cinema partnerships.
According to Quashigah, these strategies are part of a broader plan to make Ghanaian films more accessible and appealing both locally and internationally.
The NFA was created under the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935). Its mandate is to build a dynamic, self-sustaining, and culturally conscious film industry.

It promotes an enabling environment for film production, distribution, and marketing while also using film as a tool to project Ghana’s cultural identity globally.
The Authority also regulates foreign participation in the local film space, enforces standards of ethics and technical quality, registers and licenses film exhibition premises, and oversees the Film Development Fund. Additionally, it is responsible for film classification, ensuring compliance with copyright laws, and protecting royalties for filmmakers.
With the planned awards scheme and ongoing initiatives, the NFA hopes to position Ghana’s film industry as a vibrant contributor to the creative economy, offering opportunities for talent development and international collaboration.