The Ghanaian government has unveiled plans to impose sanctions on television stations found airing Nigerian films without obtaining the necessary authorisation as part of efforts to tackle copyright infringement in the country's broadcast industry.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Film Authority (NFA), James Gardiner, disclosed the move during a video conversation with Nigerian film producer Uchenna Mbunabo. The discussion centred on the long-standing complaints by Nollywood stakeholders over the unauthorised broadcast of their productions by some Ghanaian television stations.
Expressing his frustration, Mbunabo accused some broadcasters in Ghana of illegally downloading Nollywood movies from YouTube and transmitting them on television without the consent 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 to the allegation, Gardiner said, "It’s not legalised." When Mbunabo further questioned what the Ghanaian government was doing to address the issue, Gardiner explained that authorities were already working with relevant regulatory agencies to strengthen enforcement.
"That’s one of the big things that we’re trying to address. We’ve met with the Ministry of Communication together with 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.
Asked how soon the measures would take effect, Gardiner expressed optimism that the reforms would be implemented by next year. "By next year (2027), it should be done," he stated.
The development comes amid growing complaints from Nigerian filmmakers over the unauthorised use of their content in Ghana. Several Nollywood stars, including Bimbo Ademoye, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Johnson and Ruth Kadiri, have previously accused some Ghanaian television stations of illegally broadcasting their films without permission or compensation.