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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The National Theatre is set to host Fundworld, a dynamic entertainment and educational program, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
The event celebrates World Radio Day and International Day of Friendship, themes that resonate with international celebrations.
The event aims to unearth many talents in young people, aligning with the theatre’s mandate to nurture children’s talents and prepare them for future opportunities.
Funworld is one of the National Theatre’s flagship programmes for basic schools, enabling pupils to create their own performances and present them on stage.
It’s a platform for schools to showcase their talents. Past editions have thrilled a lot of children with edutainment including poetry recital, dance choreography, rap music, drama performances, and this February edition promises to be more exciting and dramatic.
The Funworld programme takes place on every 3rd Sunday of February, March, May, June, and October.
The National Theatre invites schools, parents, and educators to participate in Funworld, a vibrant celebration of Ghanaian culture and creativity.
The event takes place at the National Theatre Main Auditorium, and tickets are priced at GHc 10.00.
The National Theatre also has a flurry of programmes in its first quarter, including ‘Wednesday Theatre’ on the last Wednesday of every month and ‘Thursday Movie’ on the last Thursday of every month.
Gospel minister Mavis Payne has released a spirit-filled worship song of thanksgiving to God dubbed ADEAKYE.
With ADEAKYE, Mavis Payne tells her story of how merciful the Lord has been and encourages people to give thanks to God even for the little blessings.
Recorded live at Eden Experience 2025 and released on Friday, February 6, 2026, the song tells a story of her early discovery, consistent growth, and unshaken devotion.
She further describes the song as the sound of a woman who has walked with her gift, nurtured it, and ultimately offered it back to God.
According to Mavis Payne, music has never been a hobby but rather a calling, patiently unfolding since childhood.
ADEAKYE, the first track on the live recording, is currently streaming on YouTube Mavis Payne Ministries. It is the latest expression of a journey that began long before studios, stages, or spotlights, she intimated.
Growing up, Mavis Payne discovered her gift at a remarkably young age. She recalls being promoted to Class Two after nursery when a simple lunchtime moment changed everything.
As she sang casually, she said her class teacher stopped to listen. Impressed, the teacher led her before other classes and asked her to sing again this time, for an audience. That moment of affirmation lit a fire that has never gone out.
With that early encouragement, music became inseparable from her identity.
However, she expressed gratitude to family and friends who rallied around her talent, offering support that helped shape both her confidence and discipline.
Over the years, Mavis Payne sharpened her craft by backing several artistes and performing on notable platforms, including TV3’s Mentor, one of Ghana’s most influential music talent shows.
According to her, she has also worked with respected musicians such as Ackah Blay, experiences that broadened her musical range and professionalism.
Yet, despite these opportunities in the wider music industry, her focus has remained unwavering.
“My heart has always been to minister for God,” she says.
That focus has guided her path from Sunday school to the present day, shaping not just what she sings, but why she sings.
“ADEAKYE” emerges from this deep-rooted sense of purpose. The song is not merely a release; it is a continuation of a lifelong ministry one anchored in faith, gratitude, and obedience to God’s call.
ADEAKYE is a worship programme Mavis Payne herself is nurturing an intentional space for encounter, intimacy, and authentic praise. The live recording preserves the rawness of the moment: the unfiltered worship, the communal spirit, and the sacred atmosphere that cannot be replicated in a studio.
She noted that it is her declaration of hope, renewal, and God’s faithfulness in every situation, emphasising once you witness a new day, rest assured at hope is not lost.
“I thank God for my life and the gift of ministering through singing to win souls for Christ. And to everyone supporting my ministry, may God make His face shine upon you favourably,” she remarked.
BY TIMES REPORTER
