Entertainment
Film Classification Committee to crack the whip on recalcitrant content creators
The Classification Committee of the National Film Authority has in a statement sent a strong warning to audio-visual content creators who refused to present their works for classification.
The statement signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Socrate Safo, indicated that effective May 1, all audio-visual content shall be previewed and classified before exhibition in line the Development and Classification of Film Act 935.
“After several consultations with various stakeholders of the audio-visual industry in Ghana, from 1st May 2021, no television station, cinema theatre, or movie screening centre shall show any unclassified audio-visual content,” the statement stressed.
According to the Classification Committee, such audio-visual content included feature films, short films, TV series, selected TV programmes, documentaries, advertisements, music videos meant for public exhibition and broadcasting.
The statement added that a right owner, licensee, or assignee who desired to exhibit audio-visual content shall submit the content to the Film Classification Committee for examination and classification at least 21 days before the intended exhibition.
“Anyone who fails to comply with the set rules shall be subject to the Offences and Penalties in Section 27 of the Development and Classification of Film Act 935,” it added.
The Film Classification Committee is a body formed by the National Film Authority and mandated by the Development and Classification of Film Act 935 to preview and classify any audio-visual content intended for public exhibition in Ghana.
The Film classification rules shall apply to selected television programmes that directly impact the socio-cultural and moral conscience of the people of Ghana; for example, sex education programmes, talk shows, among others.
However, the rules shall not apply to other types of television programming – such as news, newsreel and current affairs programmes, sports, events, games, teleshopping and in-house productions by the various television stations.
The audio-visual content shall be classified for free-to-air television, cinema theatres and movie centres, posters/publicity materials, film Library and new media.
The committee examines and classifies films and other audio-visual content meant for public exhibition in Ghana to ensure conformity to the national aspirations, moral and cultural standards, protection of children from premature exposure to adult experience and provision of consumer advice to enable individuals and parents to make informed viewing choices for themselves as well as for children in their care.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Legendary Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, is reporteddead.
The 66 year old gospel artiste is said to have died at the Emena Hospital in Kumasi on January 20, where he was receiving medical treatment.
For sometime now, Yaw Sarpong had been dealing with prolonged health challenges, forcing him to reduce his public appearances and step away periodically from performances.
Yaw Sarpong is widely credited as a pioneer of contemporary Akan gospel music.
Through Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo, he introduced a distinctive sound marked by rich harmonies, disciplined arrangements and lyrics firmly grounded in Christian teachings.
His leadership and musical direction helped shape the identity of gospel music in Ghana for decades.
Some popular tunes by the group includes ‘Wo Haw Ne Sen’, ‘Tie Obiaa’, ‘Aduro Yesu’ and ‘Awurade Kasa’, tracks that continue to feature prominently in churches and Christian gatherings across the country.
Yaw Sarpong’s death comes barely some weeks after the passing of Maame Tiwa, a key pillar of the Yaw Sarpong’s Asomafo music group.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Heavens will come down at the International Central Gospel Church, Temple East (ICGC) as gospel songstress Diana Hamilton holds her annual concert.
The annual concert ‘Awake Experience’ with Diana Hamilton will take place in Accra on February 15, and at the church of Pentecost, Bantama Kumasi on February 22.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro, she said this year offers another opportunity to have an experience with God, saying “So I want to be in his presence and watch him do mind blowing things.”
The ‘Aha Ye’ hit maker also announced that leading up to the event, the Diana Hamilton Team will embark on various outreaches to spread the gospel through ministration.
Themed ‘Dwell,’ will bring together renowned artiste and worshippers to celebrate faith and music.
Notable among them are Elder Dr Kwesi Mireku, Ntokozo Mbambo, Sisi Baidoo, Nana Yaw Ofori- Atta, Tagoe sisters and Joojo Arhin.
Diana Hamilton is a celebrated Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and nurse, known for her inspirational music, spiritual depth, and impactful stage presence.
She has achieved historic wins like VGMA Artiste of the Year in 2021, becoming the first female gospel artist to do so, and is also recognised for her philanthropic work through the Diana Hamilton Foundation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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