The National Film Authority (NFA) has issued a strong warning to Ghanaian television stations over a surge in unauthorized broadcasting of creative works a crisis that threatens the very backbone of Ghana’s vibrant creative industry.
In a bold statement, the NFA expressed deep concern about the rampant airing of films, TV series, and other intellectual property without proper licensing agreements. This growing trend of copyright infringement, often dismissed as minor, is wreaking havoc on the industry’s integrity, discouraging investment, and stifling creativity in Ghana’s audiovisual sector.
According to the NFA, numerous complaints have poured in from both local and international content owners, frustrated by the illegal exploitation of their works on traditional and digital TV platforms. The message is clear: Ghana’s creative ecosystem a vital engine for national development, job creation, and global recognition is under siege by pirates and unscrupulous broadcasters.
Under the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), and other relevant laws, any public performance or broadcast of copyrighted material without the rights holder’s permission is illegal and punishable by law. Yet, despite these regulations, the exploitation persists, exposing TV stations to serious legal risks, including suspension or revocation of their broadcasting licenses.
The NFA is now taking a firm stand. As the national regulator, it pledges to work closely with the authorities to investigate and prosecute offenders. Moving forward, broadcasters are being ordered to:
• Regularize all content by securing proper licensing agreements,
• Respect intellectual property rights through ethical broadcasting practices,
• And collaborate with the NFA to ensure that all aired content is classified and properly authorized.
“The survival and growth of our creative industry depend on respecting and protecting content rights,” said Kafui Danku-Pitcher, Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority. “Piracy doesn’t just hurt individual creators; it undermines the future of our economy, our culture, and our place on the world stage.”
As Ghana’s creative economy continues to shine on the international scene, the NFA’s decisive action serves as a reminder that protecting intellectual property. Television stations, digital platforms, and content creators must work together to build a fair, sustainable, and thriving creative industry free from the grip of piracy.
