Yes! Indeed, UniMAC–IFT has once again done what ‘Napoleon could not do’. After a successful and exciting first Open Day, many people were eager to see what the next edition would bring—and the Institute did not disappoint.
On 14th November, 2025, the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC–IFT) held the second edition of its Open Day at the forecourt of the campus. The event unfolded with a vibrant display of creativity, collaboration, and storytelling under the theme, “Reel Connections: Telling Our Stories Together.”
This year’s Open Day was designed to welcome Senior High School (SHS) students, parents, industry professionals, and dignitaries—many of whom are alumni of the school. It offered them the opportunity to explore the campus and discover the wide range of academic and creative opportunities available at UniMAC–IFT.
The Open Day was also graced with the presence of notable dignitaries and alumni. Among them were the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie; Ivan Quashigah, CEO of Farmhouse Productions; Abdulai Awudu, General Manager of Multimedia Group Limited; actress Selassie Ibrahim and Nana Adwoa Awindor. Their presence inspired and motivated the students, encouraging them to strive for excellence and reach greater heights.
Setting the tone for the event, Professor Samuel Manasseh Yirenkyi, Rector of UniMAC–IFT, highlighted the unique opportunities the Institute offers for aspiring creatives as he welcomed all to the UniMAC-IFT campus. “We have all the specialised programmes to set you on a course of reel connections into an unknown future of immense possibilities in creative arts education,” he stated.
The Chairperson for the programme, Abdullai Awudu emphasised the importance of building meaningful relationships in today’s technology-driven world. “It is really important in your generation to learn how to connect,” he said. I am who are I am and where I am professionally because, I took the step, as many of you students have taken today, to attend an open day event some years back and that change the trajectory of my life and career. See today, as not only an opportunity to learn but to make real connections.
The Vice-Chancellor of UniMAC, Professor Eric Opoku Mensah, addressed the gathering and made an appeal for greater governmental support for the Institute. He said, “As we celebrate this Open Day, I wish to make a strong, heartfelt, and strategic appeal to the government—particularly the Minister of Tourism. It is time to allocate substantial and sustained funding to UniMAC–IFT.” He further highlighted the steps needed to position IFT at the heart of Ghana’s creative economy. “If government seeks to reset the creative economy, then: UniMAC–IFT must be at the very centre of that reset”.
He made this appeal on the back of the forty million dollars earmarked for the creative arts industry and announced by the Minister of Finance 2026 budget reading a day before. The Vice-Chancellor continued by saying, “IFT must be seen as a critical national asset, not a peripheral institution. IFT deserves a permanent, modern, well-equipped campus. IFT needs investment in retooling, studios, digital labs, sound stages and production infrastructure. A Film Fund without a strong Film School will yield only half its potential,” he added.
The Guest Speaker for the occasion, another inspiring speaker, Selassie Ibrahim, extended an open invitation to students interested in pursuing careers in the media industry, offering free mentorship and guidance. She also pledged her support in seeking fundraising initiatives aimed at enhancing media development in schools, adding that she is ready to assist in any way possible to help advance the Institute’s goals.
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in her Guest of Honour address, paid tribute to UniMAC–IFT, acknowledging its significant role in shaping her career. She said, “NAFTI (now UniMAC-IFT) is one of the places where I cut my teeth, and so here are your flowers; your flowers for who I’ve become”. She further noted that her involvement with the Institute contributed greatly to her growth in the arts and even led to her winning an award through the Institute’s activities.
In responding to the Vice-Chancellor’s appeal, the Honorable Minister expressed sentiments for the creative and arts industry to receive a budget line item on the Minister of Finance’s 2026 budget. She indicated that, the industry contributes so much to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that it was time for huge investments in the sector.
The Open Day was hugely made possible through the generous donations and sponsorships of organisations, namely: Voltic, Globe Productions, Evivi Foods, GB Foods producers of Gino and Didi Shito, Ajee’s Treats, Zoom Lion Ghana Limited and Peeva Beverages. A representative from Zoom Lion, Mr. Ernest Morgan Acquah, Communications Manager speaking on behalf of the Managing Director expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations with UniMAC–IFT on various initiatives. These include student projects, documentaries, educational concerts, and campaigns promoting waste management and climate resilience. “We look forward to collaborating with UniMAC–IFT on these initiatives,” he added.
The event recorded an impressive turnout, with eleven (11) Senior High Schools from the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central Regions participating. Some of the schools present included; Accra Academy, St. Mary’s Senior High School, Labone, Accra Academy SHS, Accra High SHS, Manya Krobo SHS, Mount Sinai SHS, Presbyterian Senior High Technical School, Krobo Girls Senior High School, Legacy Girls College, Swedru Secondary School, and Achimota Senior High School.
Participating SHS from Greater Accra, Central and Eastern Region Taking turns to Learn More about UniMAC-IFT Courses
Driving the students into a frenzy was the Master of Ceremonies (MC), a renowned actor and UniMAC -IFT faculty member, Adjetey Anang, creatively steered the event to an impressive end with wits, humor and panache. Supporting the MC was Paa Louise Azumah Nelson, a member of the Open Day Committee at UniMAC-IFT.
Paa Louise Azumah Nelson and Adjetey Anang added mor energy on the grounds
Notably, the Open Day is an annual event organised by UniMAC–IFT to open its doors and showcase its academic activities to senior high school students and individuals interested in film, radio and television production, and digital media. The organisation of this year’s event was spearheaded by an ad hoc committee led by Dr. Ramatu Mustapha Dadzie, Dean of the Faculty of Cinematic and Television Arts and ably support by the Head Media at UniMAC and PRO of UniMAC-IFT, Marian Mantey.
With many students expressing genuine interest and excitement, the Open Day reaffirmed UniMAC–IFT’s role as a hub for nurturing young talent and shaping the future of Ghana’s creative and media landscape. It was clear that the second edition of the UniMAC–IFT Open Day had been a massive success. Not only had the event highlighted the Institute’s practical approach to media and communication training but it also inspired the next generation of storytellers.
Drafted By:
Josephine Crentsil, Gladys Akiti Sedo, Elizabeth Ufouma Kusi; Benedicta Agyeibea Akonnor, Bright Eden Adzadu; Level 300 students of the Department of Radio and Television Production