Gov’t Releases GH¢5m of GH¢20m Film Fund Budget

The government has released GH¢5 million out of the GH¢20 million allocated to the Film Development Fund to support the growth and revival of Ghana’s film industry.

The money has been paid into the account of the National Film Authority (NFA), according to its Executive Secretary.

In the 2026 Budget Statement presented on November 13, 2025, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced that GH¢20 million had been set aside as seed funding for the Film Development Fund. The aim is to revive Ghana’s film industry, including Kumawood and other creative associations.

Speaking after the official launch of the Film Development Fund on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, Kafui Danku confirmed that part of the promised funds has been received.

“Government has so far released 5 million cedis as part of the 20 million cedis seed fund commitment,” she said.

The Film Development Fund is designed to provide financial support for the growth of Ghana’s film industry. It will also support training, research, infrastructure development, and selected film projects.

The fund is guided by clear rules under the Film Act and is not meant to be free money for filmmakers. Beneficiaries are expected to repay funds given to them for projects.

Not all filmmakers or projects will qualify for support. Only eligible industry players and approved projects will benefit from the fund.

The Film Development Fund focuses mainly on the production of feature films, short films, and medium-length films. It also supports television productions such as drama series, sitcoms, animation, and comedy programmes that promote positive social behaviour and cultural values.

In addition, the fund is expected to support the development of cinema theatres in regional and district capitals, as well as promote Ghanaian films through marketing, advertising, and publicity.

Part of the fund will also go into research and training programmes to build the capacity of professionals in the film and television industry.

Some of the money will be used for administrative and management purposes of the fund.

To qualify for support, applicants must be recognised industry players such as filmmakers, producers, distributors, marketers, or television production companies. Applicants must also belong to recognised industry associations.

These include groups such as the Actors Guild, Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA), Film Directors Guild of Ghana (FDGG), and other recognised bodies in the industry.

Tax compliance is also required. Applicants must be registered with the Ghana Revenue Authority and have a Tax Identification Number (TIN). They must also be licensed by the National Film Authority.

Funding support is limited, with the board expected to approve up to 60 per cent of a project’s total budget.

Industry players will also be required to contribute to the fund through a levy, as part of efforts to make the fund sustainable over time.