Entertainment
NFA committed to developing successful, competitive film industry
The National Film Authority (NFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to foster a thriving and globally competitive film industry at a high-level stakeholder engagement in Accra.
The meeting marked the first official interaction between the newly appointed leadership of the NFA and key industry players, providing an opportunity to discuss challenges, explore solutions, and strengthen collaboration.
The engagement was led by Mrs Kafui Danku-Pitcher, Executive Secretary of the NFA, and Mr James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary.
The discussions focused on introducing the new leadership, gaining insights into the needs of the industry, and laying the groundwork for policies that will drive sustainable growth in Ghana’s film sector.
It drew representatives from major industry associations, including the Ghana Actors’ Guild (GAG), Film Producers’ Association of Ghana (FiPAG), Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA), Women in Film and Television, Audio Visual Rights Society of Ghana (ARSOG), Film Crew Association of Ghana (FiCAG), Film Distributors and Marketers, Animators Association of Ghana (AAG), Film Directors Guild of Ghana (FDGG), Northern Region Filmmakers Association, and Silverbird Cinemas (Exhibitors), were in attendance.
Their participation underscored the significance of the dialogue and the industry’s collective interest in shaping its future.
During the discussions, stakeholders raised key challenges affecting the sector, including limited financing for film productions, weak copyright enforcement, inadequate capacity-building programmes, and the need for stronger legislative support.
Industry representatives emphasized the urgency to implement the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to provide legal backing for film sector regulations, including tax incentives and funding structures.
Mr George Bosompem, PRO for GAFTA, highlighted that policy reforms must cater for these concerns to ensure a more structured and enabling environment for filmmakers.
Another pressing issue discussed was the need for a more streamlined structure for film guilds and associations.
Ken Fiati, Technical Committee Chairman of the Ghana Actors’ Guild (GAG), stressed the importance of creating a more unified industry with clear operational guidelines.
He also advocated regular training and capacity-building programmes to enhance the skills of actors, producers, and other industry professionals.
Addressing these concerns, Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher reiterated the NFA’s commitment to open dialogue, strategic policymaking, and foster an environment where all industry players can thrive.
She emphasized that stakeholder engagement would remain a priority, ensuring that industry professionals were actively involved in shaping policies and initiatives.
Mr James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary, assured stakeholders of the NFA’s dedication to advocating policies that address their needs.
Entertainment
Franky 5 is new host of Max Morning Live
Celebrated radio and television personality Frank Kwabena Owusu affectionately called Franky 5 has officially joined the iMAX Media Group.
The renowned presenter is set to light up the screens of Max TV as host of the station’s flagship morning show, Max Morning Live, starting Monday, September 8, 2020, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Franky 5 brings with him many years of rich experience in media, combining exceptional television and radio presentation skills with a proven track record in event organisation and creative production. His addition promises to deliver an exciting, refreshing experience to viewers of Max TV.
Over the years, Franky 5 has carved a unique niche in the Ghanaian media and showbiz industry with his dynamic and versatile style of presentation. Whether formal or informal, his delivery blends professionalism with an engaging flair that resonates with diverse audiences.
Beyond his on-screen duties, Franky 5 will also serve as Head of Entertainment and Events at iMAX Media Group, where he will play a key role in shaping the station’s entertainment content and driving innovative initiatives.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Osanju is dead
Popular Ghanaian content creator, Elvis Frimpong, known in showbiz circles as Osanju has been reported dead.
According to sources, he was said to have died in the early hours on Monday, September 1, 2025 after a long battle with blood cancer (Leukemia)
His death has been a shock in the Ghanaian community especially coming shortly after his last post.
His demise comes five months after he had laid his mother, Amounu, also a tiktoker, to rest, having lost her in January.
Hours before his passing, he had posted a video on Sunday with friends watching the Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano match, prompting many fans to initially dismiss the reports as a hoax.
Osanju’s death has been described as a huge loss by followers who admired his openness, resilience and positive outlook in the face of ill health.
However, Osanju had previously shared his battle with leukemia, a cancer of the blood, on his TikTok account, even eerily predicting his own demise on a couple of occasions.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
