Socrate Safo, the former Chairman of the Classification Committee under the National Film Authority (NFA), has reflected on the strides made by his team in the area of film classification during his time in office.
Speaking with Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz, Socrate revealed that his committee classified over 300 films during his tenure. He emphasized that, beyond classification, efforts were also made to educate industry stakeholders on the importance of having their content properly classified.
He also praised the current Executive Secretary of the NFA, Kafui Danku-Pitcher, for continuing this initiative, commending her recent moves to enforce the classification process in line with the law.
A press release signed by Kafui Danku-Pitcher reiterates the NFA’s commitment to upholding standards through proper classification, in accordance with the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935). The release states:
“The National Film Authority (NFA) reminds all filmmakers and exhibitors that all films intended for public exhibition in Ghana must be classified by the NFA.”
Per the law, it is prohibited for any individual or entity to exhibit a film publicly unless it has been reviewed and classified by the NFA.
The announcement outlines that this regulation applies to all types of audio-visual content, including feature films, short films, trailers, TV series, documentaries, advertisements, music videos, and any other visual content shown in public—whether in cinemas, on television, via streaming platforms, or in any public space.
Effective May 1, 2025, a new enforcement policy will take effect. It stipulates that all producers, distributors, or exhibitors must possess a valid licence from the NFA before submitting content for classification.
The Film Classification Committee, established under the authority of Act 935, is mandated to preview and classify all such content before public exhibition in Ghana.