Renowned Ghanaian filmmaker Ivan Quashigah has officially been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of the National Film Authority (NFA), marking a significant step in the evolution and future direction of Ghana’s film industry. His appointment, made by the President of the Republic of Ghana, is in line with the Development and Classification of Film Act (Act 935), which established the framework for regulating and promoting the local film sector.
The inauguration ceremony of the newly constituted board took place on Monday, August 4, 2025, and was attended by key stakeholders from across Ghana’s creative arts ecosystem. According to official communication received by Eastern FM 105.1 MHz, Quashigah will lead a 14-member board that is tasked with ensuring the structured development, regulation, and international promotion of Ghanaian film content.
A Legacy of Excellence
Ivan Quashigah brings to the role a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the film and television landscape, both locally and internationally. He is celebrated for his visionary leadership in producing and directing iconic works such as “Things We Do for Love” and “YOLO (You Only Live Once)”—two of Ghana’s most impactful youth-focused television dramas.
The YOLO series, in particular, made waves during the 2016 Ghana Movie Awards, where it earned an impressive seven wins out of eight nominations. Beyond local recognition, Quashigah has received more than 18 national and international awards, including the FESPACO Award for Best Short Feature, placing him among Africa’s most respected filmmakers.
He is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Farmhouse Productions, a creative company known for producing high-quality, socially relevant content that resonates with Ghanaian audiences while maintaining global appeal.
Educational Background and Professional Expertise
Quashigah is an alumnus of the prestigious National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), where he specialized in directing and scriptwriting. In addition to his technical background in film, he holds an Executive Master’s degree in Governance and Leadership from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)—an academic blend that positions him perfectly to navigate the regulatory, artistic, and administrative demands of his new role.
Mandate as Board Chairman
As Chairman of the National Film Authority Board, Quashigah is expected to work closely with the Executive Secretary of the NFA, Kafui Danku Pitcher, to advance the Authority’s mission. The Board’s responsibilities include:
- Enhancing standards and professionalism in the Ghanaian film industry
- Supporting the growth of indigenous content creation
- Advocating for the interests of filmmakers and stakeholders
- Strengthening the international visibility of Ghanaian cinema
- Coordinating film classification, licensing, and content regulation
Speaking with Eastern FM 105.1 MHz, officials within the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture expressed confidence that under Quashigah’s leadership, the film industry would experience renewed structure, energy, and recognition on the global stage.
Composition of the New NFA Board
The newly inaugurated Board comprises representatives from across the creative, legal, academic, and regulatory spectrums. The full list includes:
- Chairperson – Ivan Quashigah (Appointed by the President)
- Executive Secretary – Kafui Danku Pitcher
- Copyright Office Representative – Oladele Kwaku Aribike
- Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture – Mabel Cudjoe
- Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology & Innovation – Emmanuel Ofori
- National Film and Television Institute (UNIMAC) – Dr. Rebecca Ohene-Asah
- Ghana Actors Guild – Representative yet to be nominated
- Film Producers Association of Ghana – Mr. Augustine Abbey (Idikoko)
- Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts – George Bosompem
- Women in Film and Television (WIFT) – Assey Tamakloe
- Collective Management Organisation for Audiovisual Rights Owners – Zakaria Abdulai
- Film Distributors and Marketers Association of Ghana – Rukiyatou Naa Ayiwaley Antah
- Film Crew Association of Ghana – Alejandro Peterson Davids White-Cross
- Television Station Representative – Yet to be nominated
This diverse board is expected to serve a crucial governance and advisory function, bringing various stakeholder voices to the table as Ghana positions itself as a major player in African cinema.
The Future of Ghanaian Film
The National Film Authority, established in 2016, operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and serves as the statutory body responsible for film classification, industry regulation, and advocacy for local filmmakers. With the appointment of a visionary like Ivan Quashigah at the helm, industry insiders are hopeful that a more coordinated approach to industry growth will emerge.
Several challenges still face the sector, including limited funding opportunities, piracy, poor distribution infrastructure, and inconsistent enforcement of intellectual property rights. However, stakeholders speaking to Eastern FM 105.1 MHz believe that under the new board’s leadership, Ghana’s film industry has the potential to overcome these hurdles.
Quashigah’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to authentic storytelling, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation through film. As Ghana continues to explore partnerships, both domestically and abroad, the National Film Authority is expected to play a central role in turning creative potential into economic success.
STORY BY: KENNEDY AMPONSAH NTI
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ
NEWS ROOM
