With an Internet connection, virtually anyone can access pirated movies and TV shows within minutes. In some places, even an Internet connection isn’t necessary. In Ghana, TV stations are reportedly airing pirated films, prompting a stern warning from the government’s film authority.

Copyright infringement is a widespread issue, and Ghana is no exception. With increasing broadband access, the country’s online piracy volume has doubled over the past five years.

Even homes without reliable Internet may inadvertently contribute to the problem. It turns out that local TV stations frequently broadcast films without obtaining the necessary permissions from rightsholders.

TV-Sponsored Piracy

This type of TV-sponsored piracy isn’t new. Similar incidents have been reported globally, including in Iran, where state TV aired pirated films without removing watermarks. Often, viewers are unaware if a broadcaster has the proper licenses or not.

Pirating TV Channels

Unauthorized broadcasts are problematic in Ghana as well. Reports indicate several TV stations have allegedly aired films without proper licensing, affecting international content and Nigerian ‘Nollywood’ productions.

Nigerian actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri raised this issue last year, urging Ghana to stop airing unlicensed films and threatening legal action.

“I love the country, but I am very disappointed that a major TV station in Ghana would rip my content and show it on TV as if they have the license to do so. This is the first and last warning; next time, you’ll hear from my lawyers,” Kadiri stated.

Film Authority Issues Warning

Although legal actions haven’t been reported, the issue was brought to the Ghanaian government’s attention. The National Film Authority (NFA) issued a public notice yesterday, warning TV stations against airing unauthorized movies.

The NFA’s letter emphasized that broadcasting films without authorization from copyright owners constitutes copyright infringement, carrying both civil and criminal liabilities.

Ghanaian TV channel operators are instructed to review their broadcasting schedules to ensure all films are licensed. Unlicensed films must be immediately removed from public airing.

Whether this warning will be effective remains to be seen, but it’s evident that authorities are closely monitoring the situation.