Entertainment
National Film Authority holds National Film Dialogue for accelerated development
THE National Film Authority (NFA) has held a National Film Dialogue aimed at engaging all stakeholders in the sector to turn the fortunes of the industry around.
The initiative held at the Cedi Conference Hall of the University of Ghana on Tuesday brought together actors, producers, crew members corporate Ghana and all the important stakeholders in the Film value chain together.
The aim of the dialogue which was under the theme; Accelerating Industry Development was to help address the various challenges bedevilling the sector.
The Deputy Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Yussif Issaka Jajah, on his part acknowledged the contribution of the film industry from sustainable employment to national development agenda and growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
He announced that the film sector is opened for investment urging investors to come on board as partners for development.
The Deputy Minister also reiterated the government resolve to protect Intellectual Property Rights and legislations that enhances growth of the industry.
Mr Jajah said the National Dialogue was a beginning to a brighter future for the film industry.
The board chairman of NFA, Ivan Quashiegah, who shared the strategic plan of the NFA gave a historic account of Ghana’s film industry, the current situation and measures to address the flaws.
According to him, their mission is to revive the industry by transforming distribution and exhibition into a vibrant accessible, and profitable ecosystem that inspires cultural pride and economic growth.
He reiterated that their target is to engage at least 1 per cent of Ghana’s population (350,000 people) to watch at least 10 good Ghanaian movies each year.
Speaking to The Spectator, the NFA boss, Kafui Danku, said she was satisfied with participation and the level of contributions.
She said, together with her board and other executives all the views expressed would be assessed and develop a blueprint out of it for the growth of the industry.
She urged all and sundry to come on board, adding that “for us to succeed, we need to bring everybody together.”
Kafui Danku thanked everyone for their participation and contributions to the success of the dialogue.
The panel discussion centered on issues of distribution, marketing, branding, production, access to funding, collaboration, media, infrastructure and improved storytelling among others.
Some participants expressed appreciation to the leadership for organising such dialogue.
According to them, stakeholder engagement was key to the success of the sector, adding that such a gathering should be a constant feature of the NFA.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
