Ghana’s National Film Authority (NFA) says it is working on measures against television stations accused of broadcasting Nigerian movies without permission.
The move follows complaints from Nigerian film producer Uchenna Mbunabo, who alleged that some Ghanaian TV stations downloaded Nollywood movies from YouTube and aired them without approval from filmmakers.
During a video conversation with Mbunabo, James Gardiner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Film Authority, said such broadcasts were not legal and that authorities were taking steps to address the complaints.
“It’s not legalised,” Gardiner said.
Ghana Reviews Measures Against TV Stations Over Nollywood Movie Piracy
Gardiner said the Ghana National Film Authority had discussed the issue with the Ministry of Communication, the National Media Commission (NMC), and the National Communications Authority (NCA), which regulate broadcasting activities in the country.
He said authorities were considering stronger actions against television stations that violate copyright rules.
According to Gardiner, regulators could revoke the licences of offending stations, forcing them to apply again before they continue operations.
He added that Ghana expects the proposed measures to take effect in 2027.
The announcement comes after several Nigerian filmmakers and actors raised concerns over the alleged unauthorised broadcast of Nollywood movies by some Ghanaian television stations.
Among those who spoke about the issue were Bimbo Ademoye, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Johnson, and Ruth Kadiri.
Nigerian Filmmakers Raise Nollywood Copyright Complaints In Ghana
Nigerian film producers have accused some broadcasters of showing their movies without obtaining the required permissions or paying royalties.
However, the Ghana National Film Authority has not named any television station accused of violating copyright rules.
The issue centres on whether broadcasters obtained approval from Nigerian filmmakers before airing their movies and whether they paid the required fees for using the content.
Ghanaian authorities say they are working with relevant regulators to address concerns about the unauthorised use of Nigerian movies on television.
