National Film Authority (NFA) Chief Executive Officer, Kafui Danku, has urged Ghanaian creatives to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), arguing that the technology presents opportunities for the film industry despite concerns about potential job losses.
Her comments follow criticism over her use of AI to create a video, which has sparked discussions about the impact of the technology on Ghanaian filmmakers and other industry professionals.
In a Facebook post, Danku expressed concern that some creatives had responded to the AI-generated project with fear rather than seeking to understand how it was created and how similar tools could be used to improve their work.
She acknowledged concerns about AI potentially displacing workers but argued that the technology could help filmmakers overcome some of the financial challenges associated with traditional film production.
According to her, the high cost of securing locations, hiring camera equipment, sourcing costumes, assembling large production crews and handling post-production often prevents filmmakers from bringing promising ideas to life.
She maintained that AI could provide alternative ways of producing content while allowing creatives to continue contributing their skills and expertise.
Danku stressed that AI does not eliminate the need for human creativity, noting that writers, producers, actors, musicians, directors and editors would continue to play important roles in AI-assisted productions.
She argued that Ghanaian creatives should focus on learning how to use the technology rather than rejecting it out of fear that it could threaten their livelihoods.
“The bigger danger isn’t Ghanaian filmmakers using AI. THE BIGGER DANGER IS THE REST OF THE WORLD MASTERING THESE TOOLS WHILE WE REFUSE TO ENGAGE WITH THEM,” she wrote.
The NFA CEO further called for deliberate efforts to ensure that Ghanaian creatives understand the technology and retain control over how it is used in their productions.
She warned that failing to develop local expertise in AI could leave Ghana relying on foreign AI-generated content in the future.
Danku also emphasised the importance of protecting the intellectual property of Ghanaian creatives and ensuring they retain ownership of their films and benefit financially from the content they produce.
For her, the debate should not be framed as a contest between AI and Ghanaian creatives but should instead focus on how the industry can use the technology to tell local stories, preserve ownership and create economic opportunities.
Her comments come amid broader discussions about the place of AI-generated content in Ghana’s creative industry, particularly concerns about whether its use could undermine employment opportunities for local professionals or help reduce production costs.
