Government Dissolves Film Review Board

The Minister for Information, John Tia Akologu has dissolved the Cinematograph Board of Control, which is charged with the previewing of all films (moving pictures) and approving their exhibition within Ghana.

A statement issued after a review meeting with the Board explained that a new Board will be inaugurated and charged to ensure that all laid down laws and conditions necessary before a film is approved for sale or exhibition in Ghana are followed.

“I think that the time has come for us to ensure the protection of the Ghanaian culture and brand through a more effective and vigorous film classification process, and I expect the new Board when inaugurated to live up to the expectation of Ghanaians and contribute to the growth of the Ghanaian film industry”, the statement noted.

According to Mr. Akologu, the Ministry has taken note of the various concerns of both the viewing public and Ghanaians generally about the “standards of our films and some of the disturbing scenes that are contained in foreign productions that find their way unto our television networks and sold on the streets.”

The statement announced that pending the establishment and inauguration of a new Board of Control, the Minister per the powers vested in him under the Cinematograph Act of 1961, has taken over the role of previewing and approving for exhibition all films in Ghana.

It reminded all television stations, distributors of foreign films, retailers of films and film producers that any film that has not been previewed and approved by the Minister cannot be shown, displayed or sold within Ghana, or exported out of Ghana. “The preview and approval process also covers the posters that are used to advertise a film, and it is important that all take note of these provisions.”

Foreign film producers who desire to shoot movies in Ghana are also required to request for accreditation from the Ministry of Information.

The Ministry of Information has meanwhile reminded television stations and newspaper owners that Section 281 (1a) of the Criminal Code, Act 29 makes it an offence for anybody to distribute, publicly exhibit, make, produce or have in their possession “for the purposes of or by way of trade” any one or more “obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph films, or any other obscure objects…”

The statement also encouraged the public, media owners and film producers to appraise themselves with the entire provisions of Section 281 in order not to go contrary to the law.