Samuel Gyandoh, a Board Member of the National Film Authority, has responded to some claims made by the out-going Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, Juliet Asante, over challenges she faced while she was at post.
In a Facebook post, Juliet mentioned that at the initial stages of her appointment, she had to run the authority with her own money and office space.
She also recounted the antagonism she suffered from the Board, sexual harassment she faced from two of her bosses, among other concerns.
However, Samuel Gyandoh who is also a Film Crew Association of Ghana (FICAG) has written an article, addressing some of the issues raised in Juliet Asante’s account.
Read Samuel Gyandoh’s full article below:
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
I have always refrained from commenting on the affairs of the National Film Authority (NFA) to promote progress and unity. However, in this era of “Resetting,” it is essential to clarify certain matters to pave the way for meaningful change.
As the president of the Film Crew Association of Ghana, I am speaking to set the record straight.
The Establishment of the NFA
The National Film Authority (NFA) was established on December 19, 2019, following years of advocacy by film guilds and associations, particularly GAFTA and the Ghana Actors Guild. For the first time, industry leaders united for a common cause.
Subsequently, Madam Juliet Asante was appointed as Executive Secretary (ES), with Mr. David Dontoh as Board Chairman, along with representatives from various guilds, associations, and institutions forming the Governing Board.
However, from the outset, the board faced significant challenges, including a lack of startup funding. At times, board members like Akofa Edjeani personally provided meals during meetings, demonstrating her dedication to the industry.
Board Achievements
Despite these challenges, the board accomplished the following:
- Film Classification Guidelines & Committee:
A committee was established to draft classification guidelines, leading to the formation of the Classification Committee, chaired by Mr. Socrate Safo, as per Article 8, Subsection (2) of Act 935.
Mr. Ken Addy contributed significantly due to his experience in previous classification committees
The Classification Committee was officially inaugurated despite initial resistance from the Executive Secretary, with intervention from the then-Minister Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi.
- Licensing Committee & Guidelines:
A Licensing Committee was formed to draft guidelines for permits and licenses for film practitioners, as per Article 12 of Act 935.
- Legislative Instrument (L.I.) Finalization:
The Film Task Team after six years of pushing, got the NFA to submit a completed L.I. cabinet in 2024.
Challenges Faced by the Board
- Lack of a Board Secretary
The board had no official secretary, leading to inefficiencies. Though Mr. Kofi Adinkra assisted with minutes. The absence of a dedicated secretary hindered operations.
- Unauthorized Committees
A Local Content Committee was formed without the board’s involvement or approval.
- Industry Rebranding
Despite “Ghana Film Industry” being enshrined in Act 935, an effort was made to rename the industry without proper stakeholder consultation.
After industry players petitioned, the Ministry dismissed the new name.
- Governance Issues & Petitions
On March 16, 2021, board members petitioned the Minister regarding governance challenges with the ES.
Despite a meeting chaired by Deputy Minister Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, no significant changes followed.
Frustrated members eventually resorted to the media to inform industry players nationwide.
- Lack of Leadership and Teamwork
Board decisions and directives were often disregarded by the Executive Secretary.
The 2024 Film Summit was organized without approval from the board. There was no report on the previous summit as well as transparency in how it was funded .
- Financial Transparency Issues
The board was left uninformed about funds received by the Executive Secretary for programs and projects.
Requests for financial reports were ignored.
At the final board meeting on July 4, 2024, the Executive Secretary was absent, preventing a proper financial review of the NFA.
- Unauthorized Appointments
A Director of Classification was appointed without the board’s approval, contradicting Article 8, Subsection (2).
This led to conflicts with the Classification Committee Chairman which disrupted operations.
- Poor Communication & Disregard for Protocol
The Executive Secretary frequently by passed the board and, at times, even the Ministry.
Queries from the board often resulted in heated arguments during meetings.
Acknowledgement & The Way Forward
Despite these challenges, I recognize the hard work and dedication of Madam Juliet Asante. However, to succeed, leadership must be collaborative.
I welcome the appointment of Madam Kafui Danku as the new Executive Secretary and Mr. James Gardiner as her Deputy. While Act 935 does not explicitly establish the role of a Deputy ES, this position was included in the organogram drafted by the Film Task Team and the Ministry which was approved by the board.
To build a thriving film industry, I recommend the following:
- Foster Board Collaboration
Article 4, Subsection (3) states that the board performs the functions of the Authority.
The new ES and Deputy must work closely with the Governing Board rather than act independently.
- Pass the Legislative Instrument (L.I.)
The L.I. is essential for proper governance and enforcement of Act 935.
The industry must work collectively to ensure its passage.
- Appoint a strong and experienced Board Chairman
As per Article 4, Subsection (1a), the President must appoint a respected and knowledgeable filmmaker to lead the board effectively.
- Establish a Film Development Fund
Article 29, Subsection (1) mandates the creation of this fund to support film production financially.
Its implementation must be a top priority for the new ES, Governing Board, and Government.
5..Strengthen Distribution & Marketing Channels
The NFA must focus on local and international distribution to ensure the sustainability of Ghanaian films.
The decline in cinema culture and lack of secured revenue streams threaten the industry’s future.
- Invest in Capacity Building
Continuous training and development for film practitioners—especially crew members—will elevate industry standards.
Conclusion
If we work together as a team, we can build a vibrant and thriving film industry. Now is the time to move beyond words and take action.
Let’s put power behind the scenes!
By: Samuel Gyandoh
President, FICAG
Board Member, NFA
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