The National Film Authority (NFA) has raised serious concerns over the growing unauthorised use and broadcast of creative content across several Ghanaian television stations.
According to the Authority, this worrying trend violates the country’s copyright laws and poses a major threat to the sustainability of Ghana’s creative industry.
In a statement, the NFA revealed that it has received multiple complaints from both local and international content owners regarding the illegal airing of films, series, and other audiovisual works on both traditional and digital television platforms.
The NFA explained that such actions infringe on the rights of content creators and undermine investments in the creative sector.
Citing the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), the NFA reminded all broadcasters that the public performance or broadcast of copyrighted content without permission from rights holders is illegal and punishable by law.
“As the national regulator of the film and audiovisual sector, the NFA is committed to protecting the rights of content producers. We are working closely with relevant institutions to investigate and take appropriate actions against television stations involved in unauthorized airing. Offenders risk having their licenses suspended or revoked,” the statement read.
The Authority further urged all television stations to regularize their content by securing proper licensing agreements, respecting intellectual property rights, upholding ethical broadcasting standards, and ensuring that all films and audiovisual content are classified before airing.
The NFA stressed that Ghana’s creative economy has significant potential for national development, job creation, and international recognition. However, this growth can only be realized if intellectual property rights are respected.
The Authority also called on all media platforms to fairly compensate content creators and contribute to building a thriving, lawful creative industry in Ghana.