The National Film Authority (NFA) has warned that it will revoke the licenses of television stations found airing content without proper authorisation. This move aims to enforce compliance with broadcasting regulations and protect intellectual property rights. The NFA’s strict stance seeks to curb unauthorised broadcasting, ensuring TV stations adhere to legal requirements
NFA to revoke licences of TV stations airing content without authorisation after expressing deep concerns about the increasing unauthorized use and broadcast of creative content on various Ghanaian television stations. The Authority in a statement signed by it’s Executive Secretary, , Kafui Danku Pitcher said the practice violated copyright laws and threatened the integrity and sustainability of the country’s creative ecosystem.
The NFA has received multiple complaints from local and international content owners regarding unauthorised broadcasts of movies, series, and other creative content on Ghana’s traditional and digital TV platforms. “These infringements violate content creators’ rights and discourage investment and creativity in Ghana’s creative industries. “The NFA reminds all television stations that the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), and other applicable laws provide clear guidelines on using protected works.
“These laws explicitly state that any public performance or broadcast of copyrighted content without the rights holder’s permission is illegal and punishable by law,” it said. Earlier this week, Kafui Danku and the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George promised to step in to help Nigerian producer and actress, Bimbo Ademoye over unauthorised broadcasts of her movies on local TV stations.
This comes after Bimbo Ademoye shared her frustrations on Instagram, tagging the officials to intervene. The National Film Authority (NFA), as regulator of Ghana’s film and audiovisual industry, reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding content creators’ rights. Collaborating with relevant bodies, the NFA will probe and penalise TV stations airing unauthorised content, ensuring accountability and protecting intellectual property. “Offenders risk having their licenses suspended or revoked,” NFA declared.
See full statement below:
By: Gifty Owusu-Amoah
