The Ghanaian government has announced plans to impose sanctions on any television networks that broadcast Nigerian films.
The Ghana National Film Authority’s (NFA) Deputy CEO, James Gardiner, declared the nation’s intention to take action against television networks that air Nigerian films without permission.
The statement was made on camera by James Gardiner while speaking with Uchenna Mbunabo, a Nigerian producer.
Ghanaian TV stations were accused by the Nigerian filmmaker of obtaining Nollywood films from YouTube and showing them without permission.
Mbunabo said to him “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?”
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In response, Gardiner said, “It’s not legalised.”
Mbunabo replied, “What is your government doing about it?”
Gardiner answered “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 station in the country. We’re trying to make law to revoke all licenses and all of them will now come to apply afresh.”
When asked “how long it will take”.
He replied, “By next year (2027), it should be done.”
Numerous Nigerian filmmakers, such as Ruth Kadiri, Mercy Johnson, Bimbo Ademoye, and Omoni Oboli, have previously criticised Ghana TVs for unlawfully airing their works.
In April, Bimbo Ademoye called out pirates illegally using her movies and images as clickbait on YouTube.
In an Instagram post, Ademoye accused a Ghanaian television station of stealing her movie title and poster.
The filmmaker also called out a film company she claimed was one of the channels engaging in piracy.
The 34-year-old actress described the act as “intellectual property theft,” emphasising the financial and emotional toll it has taken on her.
Bimbo Ademoye revealed that she had invested millions in producing her films and warned the pirates to desist or face consequences.
