Selassie Ibrahim Calls for Fair, Merit-Based Disbursement of Film Fund
Ghanaian actress and Chief Executive of Smartys Management and Productions, Selassie Ibrahim, has called on managers of the Film Development Fund to ensure fair and transparent disbursement of its resources.
In an interview with Kwame Dadzie, she welcomed the government’s recent financial commitment to the sector but stressed that the Fund must be channelled to individuals and projects capable of driving real change.
“We are hoping that it will be utilised properly and given to the appropriate people that will make impact and change this industry. Favouritism shouldn’t be part of this fund. When you deserve it you must be given and you must have a certain track record,” she said.
On 13 November 2025, the Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, announced a government allocation of 20 million Ghana cedis as seed capital for the Film Development Fund. The initiative aims to help revive the Ghanaian film industry, including Kumawood and other key associations.
Under the Development and Classification of Film Act (Act 935), the Fund is mandated to provide financial support for the development and production of full-length feature films, its central focus, as well as short and medium-length productions and public education initiatives promoting cultural values and attitudinal change.
The Fund also supports television productions, including drama, animation, sitcoms, soap operas and comedy series that encourage positive behavioural change. Additional objectives include aiding cinema theatre development across regional and district capitals, promoting the release of feature films through publicity and advertising, and financing research and professional training within both public and private film institutions.
