NAFTI To Be Turned Into University – Ablakwa

The National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), would be converted into a Media Arts University, to support the development of the media arts economy.

Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Education said this strategic direction for NAFTI is of critical importance to the President’s vision of a well-developed creative arts industry in the country.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed this at the 11th congregation ceremony of the Institute, to award Bachelor of Arts Degrees and Certificates to 48 students in their various areas of specialization.

He said aside the potential of the President’s vision in this regard, to diversify the economy and create wealth for many Ghanaians, NAFTI’s development as a media arts university is critical to the development of this sector of the economy.

“This is perhaps the most powerful medium we can deploy to tell our own story, based on our own script, and ultimately create the African Personality Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah spoke about”, he added.

He commended Management of the Institute for the bold initiative in broadening its scope in curriculum, from film and television production to offer programmes such as broadcast journalism, music recording and production, performance for the screen, multimedia production, strategic communication and entertainment management.

Mr Ablakwa said in order to ensure that this strategic vision is achieved, the Ministries of Information and Education are co-operating, and actively working together to migrate NAFTI onto the Ministry of Education, where it would qualify to access the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

He, however, urged graduands to be conscious of the nature of images they provide to the public, as they are about to go out into the Creative Industry.

He also encouraged them to keep abreast with the modern technological and creative changes taking place globally in the industry.

“Go out there into the industry and make a difference in making positive films that do not demean our cultures, but enhance our sense of self-worth,” said Mr Ablakwa.

Professor Linus Abraham, Rector of NAFTI, thanked the Ministry and the President for the help rendered to the Institute so far, and urged graduates to become the central part of the video-film production industry.

He said while students receive credible professional development in film at NAFTI, there is still a lot to learn from the unique industry practices in Ghana.

“With your professional training from NAFTI, and with your understanding of the industry, you should be able to make the kind of quality productions that we are looking for”.

He advised graduands to go out and work with the same zeal they worked with to achieve their degree, to make difference in the quality of mental images they would provide Ghanaians.

Mr. Kwaw Ansah, Chief Executive Officer of TV Africa, congratulated the graduates and informed them that they are going into an industry which has an important role to play, and as such advised them to apply positively whatever they have been taught, to affect people positively to make the intended difference on people for the development of the African continent.

Ms. Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Chief Executive Officer of Sparrows Production, also urged the graduands to have positive attitudes, be determined and have passion for their work, that way they would remain successful no matter the challenges they encounter.