Ghana Cracks Down on TV Stations Showing Nigerian Movies
The Ghanaian government has unveiled plans to take firm action against television stations accused of broadcasting Nigerian movies without obtaining the necessary rights, in a move aimed at strengthening copyright enforcement in the country’s media industry.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Film Authority (NFA), James Gardiner, during a discussion with Nigerian filmmaker Uchenna Mbunabo over the unauthorised airing of Nollywood productions.
Mbunabo criticised some Ghanaian television stations for allegedly downloading Nigerian films from YouTube and broadcasting them without the consent of the producers, describing the practice as unfair to content creators.
Responding, Gardiner acknowledged that such broadcasts are not permitted under Ghanaian law and said authorities are already working to address the issue.
According to him, the National Film Authority has held discussions with the Ministry of Communications, the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) on introducing stricter measures to curb copyright violations.
He disclosed that the proposed reforms could see television stations required to reapply for their operating licences, with broadcasters found violating copyright regulations facing the possibility of losing their licences.
Gardiner expressed confidence that the new measures would be implemented by 2027.
The planned crackdown follows repeated complaints from Nollywood producers and actors over the alleged unauthorised broadcast of their movies in Ghana.
Prominent Nigerian filmmakers, including Bimbo Ademoye, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Johnson and Ruth Kadiri, have publicly condemned the practice and called for stronger protection of intellectual property rights.
If implemented, the proposed measures are expected to tighten oversight of television broadcasters and promote greater respect for copyright laws in Ghana’s entertainment industry.
