Ghana’s Finance Minister, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta was in the Parliament House on Thursday, 15th November, 2018 to present the 2019 budget statement to the legislative body.
As part of the budget statement, the Finance Minister disclosed the government’s 2019 plans for the creative art sector.
According to the Minister, the government has planned to build an ultra-modern film studio for the sector as part of measures to develop the country’s film industry.
Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta also stated that in 2019, the government will pursue the passing of the legal framework backing the establishment of the National Film Authority.
“….In addition, government in 2019, will pursue the passing of a Legislative Instrument to establish a Secretariat for the National Film Authority and will also facilitate the construction of an ultra – modern Film Production Studio to attract the international film community” he stated.
As stipulated in the Development and Classification of Film Law (Act 935), when the National Film Authority is established, it will serve as a regulatory body for the film sector. The Authority’s mandate will include the provision of a legal framework for the production, regulation and nurturing of the film industry. The Authority will also assist in the distribution, exhibition and marketing of films.
The Minister further indicated that the government is still waiting for a parliamentary assent of the Creative Arts Bill to pave way for the establishment of the Creative Arts Fund.
“Mr. Speaker, the Creative Arts Industry Bill is now in Parliament for deliberation and passage into law. The Creative Arts Fund is incorporated in the Bill to ensure the economic viability of the Creative Arts Sector in the economy,” he said.
