The Ghanaian government has announced plans to take action against television stations that broadcast Nigerian movies without proper authorization.
James Gardiner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Film Authority (NFA), revealed the move during a conversation with Nigerian filmmaker Uchenna Mbunabo.
Mbunabo accused some Ghanaian television stations of downloading Nollywood movies from YouTube and airing them without obtaining permission from the producers.
He questioned whether such practices were legally allowed in Ghana and asked what the government was doing to stop them.
Responding, Gardiner said the practice is not legal and assured that authorities are working to address the problem.
According to him, the NFA has held discussions with the Ministry of Communications, the National Media Commission (NMC), and the National Communications Authority (NCA), which regulate television broadcasting in Ghana.
Gardiner said the government is considering measures that could require television stations to reapply for their licenses as part of efforts to curb copyright violations.
When asked when the changes could take effect, he said the process is expected to be completed by 2027.
Several Nigerian filmmakers, including Bimbo Ademoye, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Johnson, and Ruth Kadiri, have previously accused some Ghanaian television stations of illegally airing their movies without permission.
The planned crackdown is expected to strengthen copyright protection and ensure that filmmakers receive proper recognition and compensation for their work.
