Ghana Moves to Ban TV Stations Airing Nigerian Movies Without Permission.

Accra, Ghana— The Ghana National Film Authority (NFA) has issued a stern warning to television stations: stop airing Nigerian movies without authorization or risk having your license suspended or revoked.

The crackdown follows months of complaints from Nollywood producers who accused Ghanaian TV stations of broadcasting their films illegally.

Why the NFA is Acting Now

In a statement signed by NFA Executive Secretary *Kafui Danku-Pitcher*, the Authority said the unauthorized broadcasting of movies "violates copyright laws and threatens the integrity and sustainability of the country’s creative ecosystem". 

The NFA revealed it has received "numerous complaints from both Ghanaian and international content owners about the illegal airing of films, series, and other creative works.

Nigerian producers were specifically mentioned. Actress and filmmaker Bimbo Ademoye publicly called out several Ghanaian TV stations for airing her movies without permission. She later posted a video saying: _“Don’t show my movies. I haven’t given you permission... I don’t want your money. Don’t show my movies”_

Other Nollywood names like *Ruth Kadiri* and *Omoni Oboli* have also raised similar concerns in the past. 

Government officials including *Sam George*, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, have pledged to take swift action. 

What the Law Says

According to *Ghana’s Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), TV stations must obtain authorization from copyright holders before airing any film, whether local or foreign.

IP lawyer Emmanuel Kantam Duut explained: _“It’s a total infringement of the copyright of the producers. It’s very clear. Before you can air someone’s movie, there are specific rules regarding the broadcasting of copyrighted works.

The Copyright Monitoring Team (CMT) has already started enforcement. On August 1, they raided Accra-based *Fast TV* for unlawfully broadcasting _Unseen Beauty_ and arrested the CEO. a518

The Punishment

The NFA warned that offenders *“risk having their licenses suspended or revoked”. 

They also urged stations to "license content legally, fairly compensate creators, and partner in building a thriving and lawful creative industry". 

Mixed Reactions

Not everyone agrees. Ghanaian media personality Miz Debbie argued that Ghanaian TV stations are "actually helping to promote Bimbo’s work" and that "the actress should be grateful for the exposure". 

But industry analysts say the dispute highlights ongoing tensions in West Africa's creative economy regarding cross-border content distribution and copyright enforcement. 

The NFA says it is "working closely with relevant institutions to investigate and take appropriate actions" and has vowed more enforcement operations will follow.

For now, Ghanaian TV stations have been put on notice: license it, or lose it.

DESSY'S BLOG will keep you updated on which stations are affected.