Parliament passes Film Bill

Accra, Oct. 13, GNA - Parliament on Wednesday passed the Development and Classification of Film Bill. However, it awaits the President's assent before it becomes law. The purpose of the Bill is to consolidate with amendments of the Cinematograph Act 1961 (Act 76), to provide the machinery to deal with the production, distribution, exhibition and marketing of films. A memorandum to the Bill noted that with the improvement in technology of film production and exhibition through computer and internet, it has become necessary to enact a law which would achieve much more disciplined social life and cohesion in society.
It said Act 76 was enacted over 40 years ago and has been found to be grossly inadequate in controlling the spate of indecent, pornographic, violent, morally and culturally unacceptable films being exhibited on screens, in public cinema theatres and on television. "The Bill therefore, responds to public outcry, requests and demands to ensure that our screens are decent and acceptable in consonance with the Government's desire to ensure public decency, discipline and to protect the youth from such unacceptable films at their impressionable ages."
The House also unanimously approved the nominations of the three Justices to the Supreme Court. They are Justice Richard Twum Aninakwa, Justice Julius Ansah and Justice Felix Michael Lartey. The nominees were vetted by the Appointment Committee of Parliament on September 15, this year. 13 Oct. 04