The Ghanaian government has announced plans to sanction television stations that broadcast Nigerian films without proper authorisation as part of efforts to tackle copyright infringement.
James Gardiner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Film Authority (NFA), disclosed the move during a conversation with Nigerian film producer Uchenna Mbunabo.
Mbunabo accused some Ghanaian television stations of downloading Nollywood movies from YouTube and broadcasting them without the permission of the filmmakers.
“I noticed that Ghanaian TV stations are stealing our films and showing them for free with impunity.
Is it legalised in your country for TV stations to go on YouTube, download people’s sweat and show it for free?” Mbunabo asked.
Responding, Gardiner said the practice is not legal in Ghana.
When asked what the government was doing to address the issue, Gardiner explained that the NFA had engaged the Ministry of Communications, the National Media Commission (NMC), and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to develop stricter regulations.
According to him, the proposed measures include revoking the licences of offending television stations and requiring them to reapply under a new regulatory framework.
Gardiner expressed optimism that the reforms would be implemented by 2027.
The development follows repeated complaints from several Nollywood stars, including Bimbo Ademoye, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Johnson, and Ruth Kadiri, who have accused some Ghanaian television stations of illegally airing their movies without obtaining the necessary rights or paying royalties.
