Ghana to Crack Down on Illegal Broadcast of Nollywood Films With Stricter TV Licensing Rules

• Ghana’s National Film Authority plans stricter licensing rules to tackle the unauthorized broadcast of Nollywood films.

• Deputy CEO James Gardiner said television stations could be required to reapply for their broadcast licences by 2027.

• The move follows repeated complaints from Nigerian filmmakers over copyright infringement.

• Authorities say tougher enforcement is being considered to better protect filmmakers’ rights.

July 15, () — Ghana’s National Film Authority (NFA) has announced plans to introduce stricter licensing rules for television stations as it moves to curb the unauthorized broadcast of Nollywood films.

The move follows repeated complaints from Nigerian filmmakers, who have accused some Ghanaian television stations of airing their movies without permission or payment.

The issue came up during a conversation between Nollywood producer Uchenna Mbunabo and Ghanaian actor and NFA Deputy CEO James Gardiner.

Mbunabo accused some television stations of downloading Nigerian films from YouTube and broadcasting them without the approval of the filmmakers.

“I noticed that Ghanaian TV stations are stealing our films and showing them for free. Is it legal in your country for TV stations to go on YouTube, download people’s hard work and show it for free?” he asked.

Gardiner acknowledged the problem and said the NFA is working with Ghana’s Ministry of Communications, the National Communications Authority, and the National Media Commission to strengthen copyright enforcement.

He said one proposal is to revoke all existing television licences and require broadcasters to apply again under stricter conditions by 2027.

Gardiner explained that enforcement has become more difficult because many stations now operate digitally and, in some cases, from outside Ghana, making them harder to regulate.

He added that the NFA is also considering tougher penalties for copyright violations, including fines, licence suspensions, and the withdrawal of licences for repeat offenders.

The latest move comes after several Nigerian filmmakers publicly raised concerns over the unauthorized use of their films.

Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli, along with Bimbo Ademoye, Mercy Johnson, and Ruth Kadiri, have all complained that some Ghanaian television stations broadcast their films without permission.

Nigeria’s film industry continues to expand across Africa, but piracy remains one of its biggest challenges. Filmmakers say unauthorized broadcasts reduce their earnings and discourage investment in new productions.

If approved, the proposed licensing reforms would represent one of Ghana’s strongest efforts yet to tackle film piracy and better protect the rights of filmmakers across the region.