The Government of Ghana has announced a major intervention aimed at revitalising the country’s film industry, including the vibrant Kumawood sector, through the establishment of a dedicated Film Fund.
The initiative was officially revealed by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during his presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The newly proposed Film Fund is designed to provide direct financial support, technical assistance, and capacity-building opportunities for filmmakers, production houses, actors, cinematographers, and other creative professionals within the industry. Dr. Forson noted that the film sector plays a vital role in shaping Ghana’s cultural identity, employment landscape, and global creative footprint, making it a priority area under the government’s 2026 economic strategy.
According to the Finance Minister, the Film Fund will address longstanding challenges faced by filmmakers, including limited access to capital, inadequate production equipment, insufficient training opportunities, and the struggle to break into international markets. By offering targeted support, the fund aims to stimulate high-quality film production, improve industry standards, and position Ghana as a competitive filmmaking destination in West Africa.
Dr. Forson emphasised that the initiative is particularly important for the Kumawood industry, which has contributed significantly to Ghana’s cultural narrative through its unique storytelling, local dialect productions, and grassroots appeal. The government believes that with the right investment and policy backing, Kumawood can regain its momentum, enhance its production quality, and tap into global digital distribution platforms.
The Film Fund will also focus on capacity-building programmes, providing training for scriptwriters, editors, directors, and young creatives entering the industry. The aim is to cultivate a new generation of skilled talent that can compete globally while preserving authentic Ghanaian stories.
In addition to production support, the fund is expected to boost film marketing and promotion. This includes helping Ghanaian films gain visibility at international film festivals, partnering with global distributors, and strengthening local cinema infrastructure. Dr. Forson stated that promoting Ghanaian films abroad is essential to enhancing the country’s cultural influence and tourism appeal.
The minister highlighted that the creation of the Film Fund forms part of a broader government commitment to harness the creative economy as a driver of socio-economic development. As part of the 2026 budget, the government is also establishing a Creative Arts Fund, which will support other sectors including music, fashion, food, visual arts, and digital content creation.
According to Dr. Forson, the creative arts ecosystem represents an untapped economic powerhouse capable of creating thousands of jobs for young people, stimulating entrepreneurship, and reinforcing Ghana’s cultural heritage. By strategically investing in the sector, the government hopes to unlock new income streams, attract private investment, and position Ghana as a regional creative hub.
Industry players have already begun expressing optimism, noting that a government-backed Film Fund could be the turning point the sector has long awaited. Many believe it will help filmmakers overcome financial constraints, improve storytelling quality, and restore public confidence in Ghanaian cinema.
The announcement has also generated excitement among movie enthusiasts, particularly supporters of Kumawood, who see the initiative as a timely intervention to revive the once-booming industry.
The government is expected to roll out further details on the operational framework of the Film Fund in the coming months, including eligibility requirements, disbursement procedures, and oversight mechanisms.
Overall, the establishment of the Film Fund signals a renewed commitment by the government to empower the creative industry, enhance Ghana’s cultural exports, and build a thriving, globally competitive film sector.
