Organisations Must Take Advantage of Technology ~ Copyright Admin. Yaa Atefuah Tells FIPAG

The copyright administrator, Madam Yaa Atefuah, has advised Film producers and content creators to take advantage of the phenomenon change that has taken the world by storm.

She was addressing the newly elected executives of the Film Producers Association of Ghana "FIPAG" when the James Aboagye led administration paid a courtesy call on her in her office.

Madam Atefuah, who's been in the helm of affairs and revered for her position on the collection right society for years told them (FIPAG) to embrace the new technology to monetize their contents online to generate revenue for them.

"Technology has changed things so organisations must take advantage of the rapid change", she said.

"Gone are the days where producers rely solely on CD sales, now, technology has changed the system so "we" must also think of monetizing our contents on digital platforms to generate some monies for us," she added.

On piracy, she said, "the phenomenon is worldwide (happens everywhere) and it's very difficult to combat it especially in the technological (social media) era, so content owners must help the copyright office to fight it."

Aunty Yaa as she's affectionately called, furthermore, advised them to serve those who(FIPAG) voted them into power.

Idikoko Hands Over FIPAG to James Aboagye

Mr. Augustine Abbey "Idikoko" has officially handed over power "Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG)" to the newly sworn in executives led by Mr. James Aboagye.

The ceremony was held at the FIPAG office at the Musicians Union of Ghana MUSIGA Head Office in Osu, Accra on Tuesday 10th September, 2019.

Announcing the process, Idikoko, the immediate past president, reviewed activities of his administration from 1st September, 2016 to 14th August, 2019.

Mr. Abbey took them through the books; changing of FIPAG account signatories, membership registration and the two major offices in Accra and Kumasi, relocating from the old musiga office to a new one to make way for the government's Marine Drive Project.

He further called on the new executives to hold the office in high esteem and work hard to protect the association's image in government and other foreign embassies.

"FIPAG is well established entity that is captured in government's documents (Film Act) that is the only recognized film producers association so I'll plead with you to protect that image".

"We have connections with embassies in Ghana so if you use our letterhead to apply for Visa for  any FIPAG member in good standing he or she won't be refused so do not abuse that opportunity", he added.

Mr. Abbey advised them to continue the membership drive in other regions aside the well established ones, i.e Ashanti, Greater Accra, Northern and Upper East regions.

"In the quest for the membership drive a visit was made to the Volta at the Catering Guest house and held a meeting with the film producers  to bring them on board.

"My regrets if I'm asked is the welfare challenges. List of deductions for welfare will be handed over to FIPAG for new executives" he concluded.

Mr. James Aboagye in his acceptance, sworn to work with affiliate institutions and seek the well being of movie producers in Ghana.

In attendance of the short ceremony saw the old and new executives; List of Fipag...
(Old Executives):
President - Mr Augustine Abbey
Treasurer: Mad. Alberta Hukporti
Executive Member - Mr Bob Smith Jnr

Newly Elected Fipag Executives...
President - James Aboagye
Vice - Frederick Hayford
Secretary - Franco-Naro Kossam
Treasurer - Ebenezer Asuauahene
Financial Secretary - Samuel Ampadu
Executive Members - Christopher Dadzie and James Osei Tutu

Film Village: Sekyere Chief Donates 300 Acres of Land To FIPAG

The chief of Sekyere in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region, Nana Osei Kwabena Onin Pobi II and Queen Nana Yaa Antwiwaa II and the Sekyereman, have donated a 300 acre land to the Film industry and the Government to use for the construction of the proposed Film Village.

Nana Pobi II addressing the press when the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) paid a courtesy call on him said he saw a television news item which some movie producers petitioned parliament on the film villagepr brouhaha

"I saw a news item on TV when a petition was presented to the parliament of Ghana on the siting of the project, and I was moved by the plight of the filmmakers".

"I immediately consulted the queen  who did not object but agreed with me", he added.

After further consultations with other elders, the Sekyere Benkumhemaa made contacts with Mr Christopher Dadzie (Big J), an Executive Member of the FIPAG.

Mr Dadzie immediately called on Nana Pobi II at his palace and on his return informed the FIPAG President, Mr James Aboagye, of the good news.

Mr. Aboagye with his team formally called on Nana Pobi II at his palace to meet the leadership of town.

On behalf of the filmmakers and industry, the president who could not hide his joy for Nana's gesture thanked Nana and his elders.

"On behalf of the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), Stakeholders and the Media, I'll like to say the film the film industry will forever be grateful to Nana Osei Kwabena Onin Pobi II, Nana Yaa Antwiwaa II, the elders, committee members and the Sekyereman for your kind gesture".

Nana Pobi II also presented a copy of a proposal to donate the land for the project to be submitted to government through the Creative Arts Ministry to Mr James Aboagye.

A part of the land falls within the popular Atwea Mountain enclave.

There are several caves and other interesting  land forms found in the Sedimentary rock that forms the mountain.

The land in addition to the film village could potentially become a tourist attraction if harnessed and developed.