Selassie Ibrahim urges fair use of Film Development Fund
Actress Selassie Ibrahim urges Film Development Fund managers to allocate resources fairly, after the government pledged GH₵20 million to revive Ghana’s film industry.
Speaking to Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A Z, Ibrahim welcomed the decision, stressing that the fund must serve those who can genuinely drive change in the sector.
"We are hoping that it will be utilised properly and given to the appropriate people that will make impact and change this industry. Favouritism shouldn’t be part of this fund," Selassie Ibrahim, Chief Executive of Smartys Management and Productions, said. "When you deserve it you must be given it and you must have a certain track record," she added.
On 13 November 2025, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the government had allocated GH₵20 million as seed money for the Film Development Fund, targeting a revival of the film sector, including Kumawood and other local associations.
According to the Development and Classification of Film Act 935, the fund’s primary objects are to provide financial support for full‑length feature films, short and medium‑length productions, and public education on attitudinal change and cultural values.
Additional objectives include backing television productions such as dramas, animated serials, sitcoms, soaps and comedy designed to facilitate behaviour change, as well as supporting cinema‑theatre development in regional and district capitals.
The Act also mandates promotion of film releases through publicity materials and radio‑television advertising, alongside research and training of industry professionals in both public and private institutions.
Industry observers note that transparent administration will be key to ensuring the seed money reaches qualified creators and helps the sector meet its growth targets.
Stakeholders are now calling for clear criteria and regular reporting to safeguard the fund from favouritism and to maximise its impact on Ghana’s creative economy.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
