Entertainment pundit and radio broadcaster Nana Romeo says the government’s GH¢20 million Film Development Fund could be wasted if not managed properly.
Speaking in an interview with UTV, Nana Romeo welcomed the initiative and commended President Mahama for introducing support for the film sector.
“This is something that has been long-awaited. Over the years, the creative arts industry has been lamenting neglect. Mahama is the only president who has taken the sector at heart,” he said.
Despite supporting the intervention, Nana Romeo stated that the use of the fund would come under public scrutiny and stressed that the National Film Authority (NFA) now has a major responsibility.
“People will be observing to see that the money is utilised properly. At the end of the day, we have to show what we have been able to bring back with the money and the returns. If the money is not utilised properly, the same people will say it has been a waste and will demand the money back,” he said.
He added that the fund should not be viewed as a gift.
“Whether we use it well or not, the NFA will have to pay back in one form or another. It is basically a trap, if I should put it that way. It is not a gift, it is a loan,” he warned.
Addressing NFA Chief Executive Kafui Danku and her deputy James Gardiner directly, Nana Romeo urged caution in selecting beneficiaries of the fund.
“They should be cautious of who they give the money to. If they give it to an unserious filmmaker and the person wastes it, it will fall back on them. And looking at how the government has been adamant about recovering wasted funds, they will be chased,” he said.
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