Strict Film Classification Starts July 1

The Film Classification Committee, body responsible for  benchmarking the categorization, classification, standardization, and preview of film content intended for viewership has announced July 1 as date for commencement.

Mr Socrate Safo, Chairman of the Committee says the commencement would see to the fact that, all TV series among other video contents would start process of classification before July 1.

According to him, all TV and movie contents would have to be classified before showing on television across the country in order to pave way for contents devoid of abuse among others.

”From 15th June, what we will do is that we open our office to everyone who owns a content for it to be classified. Now we are going to give another 15 days period to be used to classified everything submitted. Then from 1st July, whatever is on TV is strictly to be classified.

”If you understand me very well, there are contents already airing on TV, there are some which were also acquired, in this 15 days period, bring it for it to be classified. From then, every content on TV must bear the classification of the film classification committee of Ghana’s  logo.” he said.

He added “Foreign contents will need to be classified. For example, Davido has to bring his content to be classified before showing in Ghana. If he doesn’t, well, per the law we don’t mind. Per the law, if the foreign content providers don’t bring their various contents for classification, it simply means we can’t allow the television stations to show”

Monitoring

Mr Socrate Safo further revealed that, stakeholders would soon be invited to the grand opening of their modern monitoring room where according to him, all television stations programs would be monitored.

This he says, would bring all stakeholders that matter in the monitoring process under one avenue to keep a very close eye on all programs aired.

“When we are done, all stakeholders come together in a matter of weeks to begin the monitoring process. Installation is ongoing and is left with some few aspects to get done. We hit grounds soon” he said.

About Film Classification Board

The Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi weeks ago in accordance with the Development & Classification of Film Act 2016, appointed luminary, Socrate Safo – to serve as Chairman of the Committee.

Mr. Safo’s role, among others is to spearhead the Committee in ensuring an effective classification of films and audio-visual content that comes into the Ghanaian  market and  the media landscape.

The Film Classification Committee is mandated by Act 935 to provide the legal framework for the production, regulation, nurturing and development of the Ghanaian film industry, and for the distribution, exhibition and marketing of films and for related matters.

The committee is a key mandate under the National Film Authority (N.F.A) and for Safo, the heavy task of satisfying the needs of all stakeholders including filmmakers, broadcasters, exhibitors, industry stakeholders and the general public who fall under the committee’s directive will attract criticisms when they fall short of expectations.

By virtue of of being nominated by the Minister,  the venerated movie maker automatically assumed his role per provisions in the Film Act 2016, Section 8 (2) (a).

There are other members including a representative each from the Information Services Department, National Commission of Culture, National Film and Television Institute, Copyright Office, Film Producers Association, Traditional Religious Association, Christian Council, Gender Ministry among others.

Socrate Safo is the head of Move Africa Productions and has to his credit movies such as Hot Fork, Love and Sex, Sexy Angel,  God Is Wicked among others.