What Ghana’s film ratings mean for audiences and exhibitors

Why the rating belongs on the advertisement

Section 18 requires a film advertisement to include the classification and the appropriate warning. The rating gives audiences information before they buy a ticket or turn up for the screening. Source 1

How the age marks work

Universal covers all ages. PG gives viewers guidance involving a parent. The numeric ratings specify minimum ages of 12, 15 or 18. Sections 22 and 23 also require the symbol and advice before the opening titles and prohibit admitting people who fall outside the classification. Source 1

Two decisions about unsuitable content

If individual parts are unsuitable, the committee can recommend that the Board have the submitter remove those parts and present the film again. If the committee finds the film as a whole unsuitable, it may recommend that the Board refuse exhibition. Source 1

A poster has its own approval step

The Act directs the committee to recommend posters for Board approval before they are displayed. A poster advertising a film exhibition goes to the committee when the film is submitted for classification. The poster’s approval is therefore part of planning when and how to promote the screening. Source 1

Sources

• Ghana Business Regulatory Reform, Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016, sections 18 to 23