The government has released GH¢5 million out of the GH¢20 million allocated to the Film Development Fund, as part of efforts to support and revive Ghana’s film industry.
The amount has already been paid into the account of the National Film Authority (NFA), according to the Authority’s Executive Secretary.
The allocation was first announced in the 2026 Budget Statement delivered on November 13, 2025, by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, who earmarked GH¢20 million as seed funding for the Film Development Fund. The initiative is expected to boost the local film industry, including Kumawood and other key sector associations.
Speaking after the official launch of the fund on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the NFA Executive Secretary confirmed receipt of the first tranche of GH¢5 million.
“Government has so far released 5 million cedis as part of the 20 million cedis seed fund commitment,” she told Myjoyonline.com.
The Film Development Fund is designed to support the growth of Ghana’s film industry through research, training, infrastructure development, and financing for eligible projects.
Beyond production support, the fund is also expected to promote public education content, strengthen television productions, and contribute to the development of cinema infrastructure across regional and district capitals.
It also places emphasis on training and research within the creative industry, while part of the resources will go into administration and management of the fund.
Eligibility is restricted to recognised industry practitioners, including filmmakers, producers, distributors, marketers, television practitioners, and registered production companies affiliated with approved industry bodies such as the Actors Guild, FIPAG, GAFTA, FDGG, and other recognised associations.
Applicants are also required to be tax compliant, registered with the Ghana Revenue Authority, and licensed by the National Film Authority.
Under the guidelines, funding support may cover up to 60 per cent of a project’s approved budget, with beneficiaries expected to contribute the remaining amount.
In addition, industry players regulated by the NFA are expected to contribute levies to help sustain the fund in line with the National Film Act, making it a structured but obligation-based support system for the sector.