Entertainment
Film Classification Committee to crack the whip on recalcitrant content creators
The Classification Committee of the National Film Authority has in a statement sent a strong warning to audio-visual content creators who refused to present their works for classification.
The statement signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Socrate Safo, indicated that effective May 1, all audio-visual content shall be previewed and classified before exhibition in line the Development and Classification of Film Act 935.
“After several consultations with various stakeholders of the audio-visual industry in Ghana, from 1st May 2021, no television station, cinema theatre, or movie screening centre shall show any unclassified audio-visual content,” the statement stressed.
According to the Classification Committee, such audio-visual content included feature films, short films, TV series, selected TV programmes, documentaries, advertisements, music videos meant for public exhibition and broadcasting.
The statement added that a right owner, licensee, or assignee who desired to exhibit audio-visual content shall submit the content to the Film Classification Committee for examination and classification at least 21 days before the intended exhibition.
“Anyone who fails to comply with the set rules shall be subject to the Offences and Penalties in Section 27 of the Development and Classification of Film Act 935,” it added.
The Film Classification Committee is a body formed by the National Film Authority and mandated by the Development and Classification of Film Act 935 to preview and classify any audio-visual content intended for public exhibition in Ghana.
The Film classification rules shall apply to selected television programmes that directly impact the socio-cultural and moral conscience of the people of Ghana; for example, sex education programmes, talk shows, among others.
However, the rules shall not apply to other types of television programming – such as news, newsreel and current affairs programmes, sports, events, games, teleshopping and in-house productions by the various television stations.
The audio-visual content shall be classified for free-to-air television, cinema theatres and movie centres, posters/publicity materials, film Library and new media.
The committee examines and classifies films and other audio-visual content meant for public exhibition in Ghana to ensure conformity to the national aspirations, moral and cultural standards, protection of children from premature exposure to adult experience and provision of consumer advice to enable individuals and parents to make informed viewing choices for themselves as well as for children in their care.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Prophet Atarah opens new studio, launches Atarah Praise 2025
Prophet Joseph Atarah has launched his annual event aimed at bringing believers together in an atmosphere of worship and praise.
The theme for this edition is ‘Restoration’ with the belief that patrons would be restored in the face of their challenges.
The programme will be in two parts, with the first scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom at 5pm on May 11, at Pleasant Place Church.
The Ghana edition will take place at the forecourt of Believer’s Grace Crown Ministry International, Bond Square, Adenta Barrier, at 4pm on May 25.
Prophet Atarah has paraded Piesie Esther, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Nana Yaw Asare and Mavis Asante among others for the Ghana edition.
For the UK edition, patrons will enjoy performances from Kofi Owusu Peprah, Kobby Mantey, Emmanuel Smith, and Ern Ruthy.
Speaking at the launch, Prophet Atarah said, God has been good throughout last year, and 2025 has started on a positive note.
Against this backdrop, he wants to bring believers together and, in unity, to praise God.
He said, like what happened last year, a lot of miracles will take place.
In a related development, Prophet Atarah also commissioned a new studio for rehearsals and live recordings.
This, he said, was not limited to him, but open to every musician across all genres.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Empress Gifty to thrill patrons at MTN Stands In Worship on Easter Sunday
Ghanaian gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty is set to thrill thousands at this year’s MTN Stands In Worship event.
The programme brings believers together annually to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.
This year’s edition, slated for the Grand Arena on Sunday, April 20, will feature Empress Gifty.
Against this backdrop, the anointed gospel musician has urged all patrons to come with a heart of worship and praise.
She is optimistic that a lot of miracles will happen through the ministration.
“Through our ministrations instant miracles will happen and you are going to have an encounter with God,” she told The Spectator.
Empress Gifty again appealed to patrons not to come alone, but with their families and friends to receive blessings.
Empress Gifty, who had a big song dubbed Watch Me, has been nominated in the Best Traditional Gospel Song of the Year and Gospel Artiste of the Year categories at this year’s 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
