How Ghana’s film distribution and marketing licences work

Distribution and marketing sit in section 24

The Act requires an Authority licence for distributing or marketing a film. It reserves the activity for Ghanaian citizens. A company registered in Ghana for this activity must have the majority of its shares owned and controlled by Ghanaian citizens. Source 1

The Authority uses subclasses for different business models

The NFA lists A, B1 through B16, C and D for distributors and marketers. It says the subclass depends on factors including territories reached and whether the operator imports or exports audiovisual content. The invoice follows confirmation of the category. Source 2

Other business activities can have their own category

The NFA lists distinct categories for film exhibitors, broadcasters and film libraries or streaming platforms. A business that distributes a title and operates a paid screening needs to identify each activity in the relevant guidance. Source 1 Source 2

Copyright registration and renewal are separate steps

Section 15 links issuance of a licence under the Act to registration with the Copyright Administrator. Section 14 sets a 12-month validity period subject to renewal. Section 16 requires prior written consent to transfer a licence. Source 1

Sources

• Ghana, Development and Classification of Film Act 2016, sections 10 to 17 and 24
• National Film Authority, current film licence categories and application instructions