Anyone with Internet access can find pirated movies and TV shows, but in some cases, even an Internet connection isn’t required. In Ghana, TV stations have been showing pirated films, leading to a government warning.
Copyright infringement is a global problem, and Ghana is no exception. With rising broadband access, the country’s online piracy rate has increased by 100% in the past five years.
Even households without decent Internet can contribute to the problem unintentionally. Local TV stations frequently broadcast films without securing permission from rightsholders.
TV-Sponsored Piracy
This form of TV-sponsored piracy is not new. Similar cases have been seen globally, including in Iran, where state TV aired pirated films without removing watermarks. Typically, viewers cannot determine whether a broadcaster has the proper license.
Pirating TV Channels
Unauthorized broadcasts are an issue in Ghana too. Reports suggest several TV stations are airing films without proper licensing, including content from Nigeria’s ‘Nollywood’ productions.
Last year, Nigerian actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri called attention to this problem, urging Ghana to cease unlicensed film broadcasts and threatening legal action.
“I love the country, but it’s disappointing that a major TV station in Ghana would use my content without a license. This is the first and last warning; next time, my lawyers will be involved,” Kadiri warned.
Film Authority Issues Warning
While no legal actions have been reported, the Ghanaian government has taken notice. The National Film Authority (NFA) issued a public notice to TV stations, citing complaints from global film distributors.
The NFA’s notice clarified that broadcasting films without authorization from copyright owners constitutes copyright infringement, which can lead to civil and criminal penalties.
Ghanaian TV stations are instructed to review their broadcasting schedules to ensure all films are licensed and immediately stop airing any unlicensed content.
The effectiveness of this warning remains uncertain, but authorities are closely monitoring the issue.Ghanaian TV Stations Warned Against Airing ‘Pirated’ Films