Former Chairman of the Classification Committee of the National Film Authority (NFA), Socrate Safo, has applauded the renewed enforcement of Ghana’s film classification regulations under the leadership of the newly-appointed Executive Secretary, Kafui Danku-Pitcher.
Speaking to Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz, Safo reflected on the progress made during his tenure and expressed confidence in the current administration’s commitment to continuing the work.
According to Safo, his committee had worked diligently to educate filmmakers on the importance of classification, classifying over 300 movies during his term. “We took steps to sensitise the industry on why classification is necessary for professional standards and public safety,” he emphasized.
He praised Kafui Danku-Pitcher for reasserting the authority’s role, citing her recent press release that reinforces the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935). The law mandates that no film can be publicly exhibited in Ghana unless it has been reviewed and classified by the NFA.
The Executive Secretary’s notice also highlights that this regulation applies to all types of audiovisual content—from feature films and short films to trailers, documentaries, television series, music videos, advertisements, and more. The classification extends across cinemas, TV broadcasts, online streaming platforms, and public spaces.
In a significant development, the NFA has introduced a new enforcement rule that takes effect from May 1, 2025. This measure requires that any producer, distributor, or exhibitor submitting content for classification must hold a valid licence issued by the NFA.
This move, according to the NFA, aims to streamline Ghana’s audiovisual industry, ensure compliance, and elevate content standards in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Socrate Safo welcomed the initiative, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard viewers, particularly children, from inappropriate content. He urged stakeholders to fully support the enforcement to protect the integrity and growth of Ghana’s film industry.
The Film Classification Committee, established under Act 935, is mandated to preview and classify all audiovisual materials intended for public viewing. The classification process is essential for maintaining cultural standards, ensuring age-appropriate content, and enhancing the overall credibility of Ghanaian cinema.
With the NFA now strengthening its mandate under Kafui Danku-Pitcher’s leadership, industry observers believe the classification initiative is poised to become a cornerstone of Ghana’s creative regulatory framework, enhancing both local content quality and global competitiveness.
