Parliament on Friday passed the Development and Classification of Film Bill 2016, which seeks to protect actors and musicians. It will also protect other intellectual properties in the creative arts industry.

The Act, among others, defined a Ghanaian Film as a film which is registered with the National Film Authority, and which satisfies any three of the following criteria:

The language used in the film is English or Ghanaian language
The Film has a Ghanaian producer
The Film has a Ghanaian Production Team
The Film has a Ghanaian Film Director
The Film has a predominantly Ghanaian cast
The subject matter is Ghanaian and
The Film has a Ghanaian identity as defined by sight and sound.

After it has been read the third time and passed on the floor of Parliament, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Joe Ghartey remarked that all the necessary amendments have been made and it stands as law.

In an interview with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture, Kobla Mensah Woyome observed that both music and the film industry have suffered a lot.

He stressed that actors in the country over the years have not been able to fully enjoy their creative works.

Kobla Mensah Woyome, who is also the Member of Parliament for South Tongu, recalled how piracy has been posing great Challenge to local artistes whose sweat has been parasited for far too long while people appear unconcerned.

He disclosed that the passage of the Bill will give so much power to the sector minister, not only to regulate but to also ensure that persons who sit by their computers and pirate others’ creative works are brought to book.

Mr. Woyome said it is the aim of the government to ensure that hardworking citizens enjoy the full benefits of their labour.

The Development and Classification of Film ACT will 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.

By Owoahene Omari Acheamoong |Onuafm|3news.com