Renowned Ghanaian actor Bill Asamoah is urging the government to expedite the passage of the Legislative Instrument (LI) to operationalize the Ghana Film Act, 2016 (Act 935).
The Film Act, enacted in 2016, seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the industry, including the introduction of a licensing regime for filmmakers.
The Act would also see the creation of a Film Development Fund and the strengthening of film distribution networks to revamp the local creative industry.
However, nearly a decade later, the LI required to implement the Act has yet to be passed.
Speaking on Luv FM, the filmmaker and producer emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that the passage of the bill will boost the movie industry.
“We need the LI in place to strengthen institutions like the National Film Authority (NFA). Everything the industry is lacking is addressed within this legislation; it is the one-stop solution the film sector needs,” he stated.
Mr. Asamoah further highlighted the pivotal role the film industry could play in promoting Ghana on the global stage, stressing the need for government focus on the sector.
“Government should realize that the film industry can sell Ghana more than probably investing in football,” he noted.
He also observed that despite the lack of public enthusiasm and penchant for local films, Ghanaians in the diaspora continue to value and support local productions.
Reflecting on the industry’s struggles, Mr. Asamoah admitted that filmmakers have sometimes failed to capitalize on new technologies but remained optimistic about future growth.
“We did not take advantage of some technological advancements along the way, but there is more room for improvement,” he said.
He is calling on Ghanaians to show patriotism by supporting local productions.
“Long and short of it is that we need to change our mindset as a people. If we truly want the industry to grow, we have to be patriotic, we have to support our own. Whether good or bad, government has to put in certain structures so that the industry can work and work well,” he urged.
