About

CAREER IN ACADEMIA

Prof. Gbormittah’s career in academia started in 1999 as an Assistant Lecturer in NAFTI. After obtaining his M.Phil. degree in 2001, he was promoted Lecturer in 2002 and rose to become the Head of the Department of Design at NAFTI (2006-2007), and Associate Director (research), African Cinema Research and Documentation Centre (ACREDOC) at NAFTI (2002-2007). He joined the Department of Theatre Arts in the University of Ghana, Legon, in 2007. He started as a Tutor/Assistant Lecturer in 2007, and his promotion to Senior Lecturer was in 2024, and Associate Professor in 2026.

BRIEF TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

As an educator, he firmly believes that every student has the right to learn and unlock their potential. He sees his role as a mentor committed to nurturing students’ awareness of their own contributions across various subjects within social, cultural, national, political, and historical contexts. His goal is to promote high standards of teaching, learning, and supervision to ensure an effective educational experience. His journey in intermedia arts, thus, cinematic storytelling, media arts studies and practice, has been a fascinating evolution, starting with the visual language of painting. He asserts, “Learning to convey narrative through composition and colour, on canvas, provided a crucial foundation. This then led me to explore the storytelling potentials of textiles during my six years, between 1989 and 1995, as a textile designer at Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL).” Fascinated by Ghana’s vibrant African fabric scene, he discovered how patterns and textures could be rich carriers of history and personal narratives. This deep engagement with visual and “real” storytelling naturally paved the way for his entry into the dynamic world of screen and cinematic narrative, where his artistic experiences converged. His understanding of colour and composition from painting became essential for production design, while his textile expertise translated directly into costume design. This intuitive grasp of visual language, developed over the years, allows him to seamlessly integrate colour and design, creating a cohesive and impactful cinematic experience where every visual element serves the story.

Education

Prof. Gbormittah obtained his basic education at the Ghana Presbyterian Primary School in Sogakope. Following his middle school education at the Agorkpo Local Authority Middle School, also in Sogakope, he continued to the Sogakope Secondary School for the GCE ‘O’ Level Certificate in 1985, and St. Paul’s Secondary School, Denu, for the GCE ‘A’ Level Certificate in 1987. He proceeded to the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), now Institute of Film and Television, University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC), from 1995 to 1998, for a diploma in Film and Television Production. His Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degree in Screen Studies (now Media and Culture Studies), 2001, is from the Gilmorehill Centre for Theatre, Film and Television in the University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in indigenous communicative acts and modern mass media, 2020, from the Institute of African Studies (IAS) in the University of Ghana, Legon. He has received training in creative writing, 2011, from Ghana Book Trust (GBT)/Canadian Organisation for Development through Education (CODE), Accra; film criticism, 2005, NAFTI, Accra; and teaching methodology and assessment techniques in tertiary level, 2003, University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Winneba.

Research Interest

CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS:

1. News-sharing, contemporary mass media channels vs. indigenous communicative acts.
2. Film and television aesthetics, visual theory and culture.
3. Reception studies (response to narrative & perception of images)
4. Film and television technology vis-à-vis realism in cinema.
5. African cinema (the cultural context and the colonial legacy).
6. Performance studies (situational, processual and power in construction of space and place). 
7. Film heritage studies.
8. Cultural production and policy.

9. Media and performance infrastructure studies.

    

ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECTS 

1.  “Examining opportunities and challenges of AI and creativity in the evolving landscape of visual arts.”
2. “Musical innovations and indigenous knowledge: The legacy of Ghanaba and the framework of Dondology.”
3. “Digital potentials and virtual realities: Reimagining African literary and intellectual cultures.”
4. “Decolonising the Lens: Reclaiming African cinematic narratives & circuits of power.”
5. “Historical functions of tickets in theatre admissions and commerce in Ghana.” 
6. “Manya Krobo: Memories, identity and cultural heritage – A Documentary.”
7. “Visualising poetry through audio-visual productions: An experimental project.”
8. “On Ghanaian film industry and education: Present realities and future possibilities.”
9. “Performance affect and applied arts in Africa: A critical examination of methodological approaches.”
10. “Visuality and sensory authenticity in Ghanaian concert parties: Interrogating indigenous performance through Kinesics and Oculesics.”
11. “Spatial encounters in the city: Exploration of ‘space’ and ‘place’ in film and geography of Accra.”
12. “Make-believe, realism and the aesthetics of Zangbetor performance.”
13. “Aesthetic transfer of oral storytelling motifs in African cinema.”
14. “Cinema’s musical moments in Leila Djansi’s Ties That Bind (Ghana, 2011).”
15. “Digital technology, realism and realistic representations.”
16. “Space, place, time and spectacle in Ghanaian movies: A critique of Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s The Perfect Picture (Ghana, 2008).”

Publications

Select book chapters and journal articles – 

Gbormittah, F. & Saako, M.M. (2026). “Reimagining Sacred Space: The Repurposing of Beer

Bottles in Mosque Architecture and Symbolism in Ghana,”Postcolonial Text, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 1-22.

Gbormittah, F. (2026). “Adapting daily drama for the Screen: An analysis of ‘Chronicles of 

Odumkrom – The Headmaster’ (2015) and reflections of Ghanaian community and citizenship,” Journal of Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies, 3:1, pp. 133-147.

Gbormittah, F. (2025). “A review of Ghanaian and Pan-African artistic renaissance: An in-depth 

interview with Anumnyam,” Journal of African Arts and Culture, Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 187-208.

Gbormittah, F. (2025). “Audio-visual documentation as a ‘Monument’ in theatre research: A case 

study of Samantaase Village theatre production,” Journal of Performing Arts, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 129-156.

Gbormittah, F. (2025). “Reflections on Ghana’s film heritage: An exclusive conversation with 

            Ernest Kofi Abbeyquaye.” Postcolonial Text, Vol. 20, No 2, pp. 1-16.

Gbormittah, F. (2024). “What dreams, what projects, what challenges, for a writers’ association?” 

In K.A. Twumesi (Ed.). Ghana Book World No. 12. Accra: Ghana Book Development Council. pp. 41-94.

Gbormittah, F. (2021). “The current state of creative writing in Ghana: Challenges and 

opportunities.” In K.A. Twumesi, J. Agyiri, E. Agyei (Ed.). Ghana Book World No. 7. Accra: Ghana Book Development Council. pp. 50-58.

Adinku, G.U., & Gbormittah, F. (2017). “Makeup and costume as a means of dramatic 

expression in selected Nigerian Yoruba home videos.” Inside Nollywood: Issues and Perspectives on Nigerian Cinema. Sola Fosudo & Tunji Azeez (Eds.). New York: Franklin International Publishers. pp. 289-309.

Ayesu, E., Gbormittah, F. & Adum-Kyeremeh, K. (2016b). “British colonialism and women’s 

            welfare in the Gold Coast Colony,” in Africa Today, Vol. 63, No. 2. pp. 52-54. 

Gbormittah, F. (2016). “Performance, oral poetics and ideo-aesthetic heritages in the ‘Search for 

the Soul’ of a poet-cantor.” Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Vol. 1 (Issue 2). pp. 21-42. 

Gbormittah, F. (2014). “Film education and identity construction in a multicultural context.” In

A.M. Asiedu, J. Collins, F. Gbormittah & F. Nii-Yartey (Ed.). The Performing Arts in Africa: Ghanaian Perspectives. Oxfordshire: Ayebia Clarke Publishing. pp. 123-131. 

Gbormittah, F., Adinku, G.U. (2013b). “The impact of ‘performativity’ on the form and aesthetics 

of African screen media in production and reception.” The Performer: Ilorin Journal of the Performing Arts, Vol. 15. pp. 68-74.

Osei Owusu, J. & Gbormittah, F. (2013a). “FESPACO 2013 Honours African Women,” in 

            African Agenda, Vol. 16, No. 2. pp. 35-36.

Gbormittah, F. (2011). “Spirit and lessons of international co-productions and the making of The 

Destiny of Lesser Animals (Ghana/USA, 2011).” Journal of Performing Arts, Vol. 4, No. 2. pp. 47-56. 

Gbormittah, F. (2009). “Technological innovations and realism in cinema: A case of Steadicam 

and André Bazin’s Theory of Realism.” Journal of Performing Arts, Vol. 4, No. 1. pp. 109-122. 

Forewords, blurbs and poems – 

Gbormittah, F. (2022b). “Foreword.”In O. Allotey, A. Asiedu, G.D. Antonio & Ugoh, S. (Ed.). An 

Anthology of Ghanaian Creative Writing: Poetry, Short Stories and Drama 2021 Collection (pp. iii-iv). Accra: Ghana Association of Writers.

Gbormittah, F. (2022a). “The Plight of a Child Slave.” In O. Allotey, A. Asiedu, G.D. Antonio & S. 

Ugoh (Ed.). An Anthology of Ghanaian Creative Writing: Poetry, Short Stories and Drama 2021 Collection. Accra: Ghana Association of Writers. p. 44.

Gbormittah, F. (2021). “Foreword.”In N.S. Achampong (Ed.). The Lockdown: An Anthology of 

16 short creative nonfiction accounts about living with COVID-19 in 2020 (pp. iv-v). Accra: Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing, African University College of Communications (AUCC).

Gbormittah, F. (2021). “Blurb.” In D. D’Siafa. Beautiful Mind (p. iii). Accra: Firstline Publishing.

Gbormittah, F. (2020). “Blurb.” In G.K. Tordzro & A.J. Ayuune. Ancestral Code (back page). 

            Glasgow: AdinkraLinks Publications.

Select Project & Technical Papers, and Reports – 

1. Self-commissioned. (Nov. 2025). From concept to stage: The creative process of set design in the development and realisation of “Lovenet” (Stage set design paper).
2. Self-commissioned. (Oct. 2025). Visualising poetry through audio-visual productions: An experimental project (Audio-visual project).
3. Play and Learn (PAL) Foundation, “PAL Fest 2024.” (Sept. 2025). Dreams in the Shadow (Post-production technical paper developed for a community-based theatre group performance, ETS Drama Studio, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon).
4. Self-commissioned. (Sept. 2025). Hunger for Supper (A paper on a promo inspired by the children’s educational television programme proposal titled, “Youth Talk”).
5. School of Performing Arts (SPA), University of Ghana. (Jul. 2025). Report of the Committee to Review Income-Generating Activities at SPA (Committee Report).
6. University of Ghana. (Jun. 2025). Sharing galamsey research findings and doing advocacy to stop galamsey in Ghana (Anti-galamsey campaign project).
7. School of Performing Arts (SPA), University of Ghana. (Jun. 2025). Africa to the Rest (Working documents for docudrama on selected historical figures in Africa). 
8. Self-commissioned. (May 2025). Marital Blues (2014 [2025]) (Film project paper).
9. Self-commissioned. (March 2025). Technical production paper (Performances in honour of Efua Sutherland under the auspices of the Efua Sutherland Centenary Project). 
10. Ghana Association of Writers-University of Ghana (GAW-UG) Chapter. (Aug. 2022). Guide documents and proposals for establishment (Young/early-stage writers’ forum). 
11. Ghana Association of Writers (GAW). (March 2021). Working documents (Read-A-Ghana-Book Month to promote reading among Ghanaians).
12. Coalition of Book Industry Stakeholders (Ghana). (Apr. 2020). Working documents (comprised the Ghana Association of Writers, Publishers Association of Ghana, Booksellers Association of Ghana, and Printers and Paper Converters Association of Ghana).
13. Ghana Association of Writers (GAW). (Nov. 2018). Working documents (GAW Literary Awards).
14. Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA). (Sept. 2018). Working documents (Steering Committee).
15. Creative Land School of Film and Media Arts (Jul. 2010). Film and Media Arts Programme Curricula.
16. School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. (SPA). (Oct. 2007). Visual Arts Programme Curricula.
17. National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI). (Sept. 2006). Working documents: NAFTI’s participation in Market Mission and Windhoek Show 2006, Windhoek, Namibia. 

Select Creative Works/Productions – 

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Hakib, A.K. (Director). (2026, March 12-14). The Slaves by 

Mohammed Ben-Abdallah [staged drama], E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: SPA, University of Ghana.

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Owusu, M.O. (Director). (2026, March 5-8). Esther by Richard 

Cowling [staged drama], E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: SPA, University of Ghana.

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Appiah-Adjei, D. (Director). (2026, Feb.-March 1). The Tears of 

Lucifer by Daniel Appiah-Adjei [staged drama], E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: SPA, University of Ghana.

Gbormittah, F. (Screenwriter, Post-production Director, Production Designer, Production 

Coordinator) & Quashie-Nai, V. (Director). (2014 & 2025). Marital Blues [Motion picture, film]. Accra: Trumpet Africa Productions LLC.

Gbormittah, F. (Director). (2025, March 20-April 30). Anti-Galamsey Content Creation for 

television, radio and social media for an Anti-Galamsey Research/Campaign by Professor Gladys N. Ansah (Principal Investigator), Department of English, University of Ghana, funded by the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) of the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.

Gbormittah, F. (Assistant Director of the Show) & Coleman, F. (Director). (2025, March 28). This 

is Efua! An Evening of Theatre in Honour of Efua Sutherland, produced by the Institute of African Studies (IAS) University of Ghana, Legon, featuring The Mason Gross Theatre Arts Department, Rudgers University, the School of Performing Arts (SPA), University of Ghana, Fiifi Coleman Productions, and Terra Alta Foundation, at the E.T.S. Drama Studio, SPA, University of Ghana.

Gbormittah, F. (Director of Video Production). (2025, March 28). This is Efua! An Evening of 

Theatre in Honour of Efua Sutherland, produced by the Institute of African Studies (IAS) University of Ghana, Legon, featuring The Mason Gross Theatre Arts Department, Rudgers University, the School of Performing Arts (SPA), University of Ghana, Fiifi Coleman Productions, and Terra Alta Foundation, at the E.T.S. Drama Studio, SPA, University of Ghana.

Gbormittah, F. (Researcher, Writer & Director). (2024). Promo-Hunger for Supper. Self-

            commissioned.

Gbormittah, F. (Researcher, Writer & Director). (2024). Two Videos of Visualising Poetry 

            Through Audio-Visual Productions: An Experimental Project. Self-commissioned.

Gbormittah, F. (Technical Director). (2024, April). Play and Learn Foundation (PAL) Fest 2024 

and the production of Dreams in the Shadow (2024), a community-based theatre drama, E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. 

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Asiedu, J-P. (Director). (2023, October 26-27). LoveNet by 

Asiedu Yirenkyi [staged drama], Abibigromma Theatre Group, E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. 

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Asare, E. (Director). (2023, October 20-22). Exam by Evelyn 

Asare [staged drama], E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. 

Gbormittah, F. (Concept Creator) & Roussinov, O. (Director). (2022). Promo [Motion picture, 

Ad], International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR) Conference, “Accra July 24-28, 2023.” 

Gbormittah, F. (Director, Camera person). (2021). Every Active Entity [Motion picture, coverage 

of staged performance]. A theatrical performance about Anton Wilhelm Amo Afer, Ca. 1703-1784, E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: Department of Theatre Arts & Goethe Institut. 

Gbormittah, F. (Writer, Director). (2021). University of Ghana Cooperative Credit Union

(UGCCU) at 50 [Motion picture, documentary]. Accra, Ghana: Motion Revolution.

Gbormittah, F. (Writer, Director). (2021). University of Ghana Cooperative Credit Union 

            (UGCCU) Loan on Mobile Ups [Motion picture, Ad]. Accra, Ghana: Motion Revolution.

Gbormittah, F. (Lead-director) & Semevor, M. (Co-director). (2018, December 31 & 2019, January 

3, 4 and 5). The Trail of JJ Rawlings based on a book by Kojo Yankah [staged political-musical drama]. Accra, Ghana: National Drama Company/National Theatre of Ghana & Kojo Yankah.

Gbormittah, F. (Writer, Director). (2018). University of Ghana Cooperative Credit Union 

            (UGCCU) Loans for Staff [Motion picture, Ad]. Accra, Ghana: Motion Revolution.

Gbormittah, F. (Director). (2017). Children Fun Day [Motion picture, Television]. Accra, Ghana: 

Mmofra Foundation. 

Gbormittah, F. (Programme Director, Set Designer). (2017). 60th Anniversary Literary Awards,

            Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), PAWA House, Accra: GAW. 

Gbormittah, F. (Director). (2015). University of Ghana Cooperative Credit Union (UGCCU) 

            Products [Motion picture, Ad]. Accra, Ghana: Motion Revolution.

Gbormittah, F. (Director). (2015). Samantase Village [Motion picture, coverage of staged 

performance]. Written by Sarah Dorgbadzi and Ekua Ekumah. E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: Department of Theatre Arts.

Gbormittah, F. (Writer, Director). (2015). University of Ghana Cooperative Credit Union 

            (UGCCU) Banking Hall Ad [Motion picture, Ad]. Accra, Ghana: Motion Revolution.

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Osofisan, O. (Director). (2014). Godje [Motion picture, film]. 

            Accra, Ghana: Christian Drama Network of Ghana. 

Gbormittah, F. (Art Director) & Abbeyquaye, E. (Director). (2015). Chronicles of Odumkrom: 

            Headmaster [Motion Picture, film], Accra, Ghana: Trumpet Africa Productions.

Gbormittah, F. (Writer, Camera person, Director) (2013). Aloma’s Playhouse [Motion picture, 

television]. Accra, Ghana: Nana Akua Adobea I Foundation & fastforward Media LLC. 

Gbormittah, F. (Writer, Director). (2012). Manya Krobo: Memories, Identity and Cultural

Heritage [Motion picture, documentary]. Winneba/Accra, Ghana: University of Education, Winneba & fastforward Media LLC. 

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Adjirackor, B. (Director). (2012, October 25-27). Langbodo: A 

Forest of a Thousand Daemons by Wale Ogunyemi [staged drama]. E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: Department of Theatre Arts. 

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Aveh, A. (Director). (2012, October 11-14). Alien King by 

Mohammed ben-Abdallah [staged drama]. E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: Department of Theatre Arts. 

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Dartey, S. (Director). (2012, October 3-5). The Leopard’s Choice 

by Yaw Asare [staged drama]. E.T.S. Drama Studio, Accra, Ghana: Department of Theatre Arts. 

Gbormittah, F. (Writer, Director, Graphic Designer). (2012). SPA at 50 [Motion picture, 

            documentary]. Accra, Ghana: School of Performing Arts.

Gbormittah, F. (Co-writer, Camera person, Art Director) & Ankalu, L. (Director, Co-writer). 

(2011). SFAO in Action [Motion picture, Ad]. Accra, Ghana: University of Ghana Students Financial Aid Office. 

Gbormittah, F. (Co-writer, Stage Manager) & Appiah-Adjei, D. (Director, Co-writer). (2011). The 

Beginning with the End in Mind [Theatre for Awareness Project]. Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, Accra, Ghana: National Food and Agriculture Show (FAGRO).

Gbormittah, F. (Line Producer) & Dube, M. (Director). (2009). Sobukwe: A Great Soul [Motion 

            picture, docudrama]. Accra, Ghana: Born Free Media & 1Take Media.

Gbormittah, F. (Producer, Production Designer, Actor) & Albright, D. (Director). (2011). The 

Destiny of Lesser Animals [Motion picture, film]. Accra, Ghana/Philadelphia, USA: Bright Noon Pictures, LLC.

Gbormittah, F. (Special effects person) & Frimpong-Manso, S. (Director). (2008). Scorned

            [Motion picture, film]. Accra, Ghana: Sparrow Productions Entertainment Ltd. 

Gbormittah, F. (Art Director). (2007-2009). Investment Digest [Motion picture, Television]. 

            Accra, Ghana: Talents and Resources International. 

Gbormittah, F. (Coordinator) & Dube, M. (Director). (2007). Pan-African Reality Show on

HIV/AIDS [Motion picture, Television]. Pan-African HIV/AIDS public awareness and education programme, Accra, Ghana: African Broadcast Media Partnership Against HIV/AIDS.

Gbormittah, F. (Director). (2006). PyroPaint [Motion picture, documentary]. Accra, Ghana: I&H 

Speedway Ltd./Royal Touch Paint Ltd. 

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Akanson, B. (Director). (2006). MoneyLine [Motion picture,

Television]. Accra, Ghana: Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Gbormittah, F. (Writer, Cameraperson, Director). (2006). NAFTI’s Participation in Market 

Mission and Windhoek Show 2006 Windhoek, Namibia [Motion picture, documentary]. Accra, Ghana: NAFTI.

Gbormittah, F. (Art Director) & Frimpong-Manso, S. (Director). (2006). Twinkling Stars: Miss 

Ghana 2006 [Motion picture, Television]. Accra, Ghana: Sparrow Productions Entertainment Ltd.

Gbormittah, F. (Art Director) & Frimpong-Manso, S. (Director). (2003-2006). Personalities’ 

            Kitchen [Motion picture, TV]. Accra, Ghana: Sparrow Productions Entertainment Ltd. 

Gbormittah, F. (Art Director). (2004). Accra Brewery Ltd. 2004 Calendar Design [Graphic 

            Design]. Accra, Ghana: ORAKLE Advertising Production. 

Gbormittah, F. (Art Director) & Adday, E. (Director). (2000). Holsum Margarine Ad [Motion 

            picture, Ad]. Accra: NANKANI Electronic Imaging Production/Lever Brothers (Gh) Ltd. 

Gbormittah, F. (Art Director) & Quashigah, I. (Director). (1999). Omo Power Foam & Rexona Ads 

[Motion picture, Ad]. Accra, Ghana: AP LINTAS Production/Lever Brothers (Gh) Ltd.

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer, Properties person) & Quashigah, I. (1999). Barclays Bank (Gh) Ltd. 

Banking Hall Ad [Motion picture, Ad]. Accra, Ghana: AP LINTAS Production.

Gbormittah, F. (Stage designer/decorator) & Adday, E. (Director). (1999). 10th Awards of the 

            Chartered Institute of Marketing (CiMG) Ghana. Accra: CSN/Image Mill Production. 

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer) & Akwaku, S. (Director). (1998). Members of Staff [Motion picture, 

Television]. Accra, Ghana: NAFTI.

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer, Make-up artist, Costume Designer) & Akanson, B. (Director). 

            (1998). The Saga [Motion picture, film]. NAFTI.

Gbormittah, F. (Set Designer, Make-up Artist) & Bosompim, G. (Director). (1998). Yaaba [Motion 

picture, film]. NAFTI. 

Gbormittah, F. (Art Director). (1997). Exhibition. W.E.B. du Bois Centre for Pan-Africanism,

            Accra, Ghana: Tower of Return Foundation.