Hundreds of stakeholders and practitioners in the Film industry picketed around the premises of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture [MoTAC] on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, to press home their demand for the establishment of the National Film Authority (NFA).
Briefing the media, Kojo Preko Dankwa, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of National Film Authority Action Group, stated that film practitioners and stakeholders will take every necessary step needed to save the industry in the country.
“We will like to announce to all stakeholders and the media that, every necessary step needed to save the film industry of Ghana must be taken and we will make sure of that. The group is throwing at government especially Mr. President, who has the authority to appoint both Executive Secretary and Board Chair of the National Film Authority in accordance of ACT935 within a week or risk seeing film stakeholders on the streets of Accra.” Kojo Preko Dankwa stated
He said the implementation of ACT 935 is to the benefit of the film industry and Ghana.
According to the PRO, structures are very important in the development of every sector of the economy and hope the government will not delay further after months of stakeholder nominees waiting to serve the industry.
NFA, under the Classification and Development of Film Act, Act 935 by MoTAC saw tremendous headway under the leadership of the former Minister, Hon. Catherine Afeku.
It would be recalled that the Member of Parliament for Evalue-Gwira-Ajomoro started the process of getting the Authority established but unfortunately, she was reassigned to the Presidency.
Under her leadership, she charged practitioners to conduct nationwide stakeholder engagement so as to map out modalities for the Legislative Instrument (L.I) that will ensure the institutionalization of the Development and Classification of Film Law (Act 935), 2016.
The committee after its findings handed over an in-depth report to the Ministry, which included a draft LI which was about 60% ready.
The current sector Minister, Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi in her statement after receiving the petition from the leadership of the group said the President and members of the Council of State are yet to appoint both Executive Secretary and Board Chair of the NFA in accordance of ACT935.
She assured stakeholders in the industry that she will do all she can to get their wish done by the end of the year (2019).
“It is only two positions left for the President and the Council of State to appoint. We’ve submitted all necessary documents to the Council of State as required by law so that they also consider it and give it the green light. Once it gets that green light, we’re doing the inauguration. Definitely, the inauguration of the board is going to happen before the end of this year.
“I’m assuring you that before the end of the year which is 31st December, the board would be inauguration. We’re engaging them to expedite action on appointing an Executive Secretary and inaugurating the board, ” she added
Dressed in red apparels, members of the film industry told the Minister that her silence and delay on the issue regarding the establishment of the NFA is worrying.
Leaders of the pressure group were Ken Fiati, Cosby Bikpe, Kojo Preko Dankwa, Samuel Gyandoh, Akofa Ejeani, Oscar Provencal and Kwesi Antwi Bosiako.
Members of the industry who took part in the picketing include James Gardner, Eddie Nartey, Ama K Abebrese, Asare Bediako, Michael Ola, Enoch Agyapong, Kofi Falconer, Mr. Awindor, George Bosompim and many others.
SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW.
