A Deputy Minister of Information, James Agyenim-Boateng, says the influx of foreign films into the country is gradually crippling local film industry.

According to him, the creative art industry which offers opportunities for effective communication must be critically looked at to reverse the trend. Mr. Agyenim-Boateng said this when the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, William Billy Williams called on him at the Ministry on Thursday.

Mr. Williams asked for support in screening eight Australian films at the Silverbird Cinema in Accra. He noted that the film show is aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. Some film producers from Australia will also engage their Ghanaian counterparts and expose them to new trends in film production.

Mr. Williams said aside other sectors, the film industry is another important avenue for sharing expertise and collaborating. Mr. Agyenim-Boateng appealed to the High Commissioner to help organize exchange programmes and training for Ghanaian film producers.