The Ghanaian government has announced plans to crack down on television stations that broadcast Nigerian films without the necessary authorisation, as part of efforts to strengthen copyright enforcement in the country’s film industry.
The announcement was made by James Gardiner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Film Authority (NFA), during a conversation with Nigerian filmmaker Uchenna Mbunabo in a video shared online.
The discussion centred on allegations that some television stations in Ghana download Nollywood movies from YouTube and air them without obtaining the required rights from content owners.
Mbunabo questioned whether the practice was legally permitted in Ghana, saying he had observed television stations broadcasting Nigerian films without authorisation.
“I noticed that Ghanaian TV stations, the way they 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?” he asked.
Responding, Gardiner said the practice is not legal under Ghanaian law.
Asked what the government was doing to address the issue, the NFA official said discussions had already been held with the Ministry of Communication, the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to introduce stricter regulatory measures.
According to Gardiner, the proposed framework would require television stations to reapply for their operating licences, with licence revocation forming part of the enforcement strategy against broadcasters found violating copyright regulations.
“That’s one of the big things that we’re trying to address. We’ve met with the Ministry of Communication together with the NMC and NCA, they govern our TV stations in the country. We’re trying to make a law to revoke all licences and all of them will now come to apply afresh,” he said.
When asked when the measures could take effect, Gardiner expressed optimism that the process would be completed by 2027.
The development follows repeated complaints by several Nollywood filmmakers over the unauthorised broadcast of their movies on some Ghanaian television stations. Among those who have publicly raised the issue are Bimbo Ademoye, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Johnson and Ruth Kadiri, who have accused broadcasters of violating their intellectual property rights.
The proposed sanctions are expected to form part of broader efforts by Ghanaian authorities to curb copyright infringement and protect the creative works of filmmakers across the region.
