Government Releases GH¢5 Million to Film Development Fund as Industry Revival Efforts Gain Momentum
Government has released GH¢5 million to the Film Development Fund, marking the first tranche of the GH¢20 million seed capital allocated in the 2026 national budget to support the revival and growth of Ghana’s film industry.
The funds have been transferred into the account of the National Film Authority (NFA), representing a significant step in fulfilling the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s creative arts sector.
The GH¢20 million allocation was announced by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement as part of efforts to revitalise Ghana’s film industry, including Kumawood and other professional associations operating within the sector.
The Film Development Fund was officially launched in May 2026 and is expected to provide financial support for film production, research, training, infrastructure development and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Ghana’s film industry.
The fund, however, is not a grant scheme. Beneficiaries will be required to repay financial support received for approved projects, making it a revolving fund designed to ensure long-term sustainability.
According to the framework governing the fund, support will primarily target feature film production, television content development, cinema infrastructure projects, public education productions and promotional activities for Ghanaian films. The fund will also support research and professional training within the industry.
Access to the fund will be limited to eligible industry practitioners, including filmmakers, producers, distributors, marketers, television practitioners and cinema developers. Applicants must be licensed by the National Film Authority, belong to recognised professional associations and demonstrate tax compliance through registration with the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Funding approvals will also be subject to limits, with the Board authorised to provide support of up to 60 percent of a project’s total budget.
Industry stakeholders are expected to contribute to the sustainability of the fund through levies prescribed under the Film Act. These contributions will help expand the fund over time and create a reliable financing mechanism for future film projects.
The release of the initial GH¢5 million is expected to boost confidence among industry players and support efforts to reposition Ghana’s film sector as a major contributor to employment, cultural promotion and economic growth.
