NFA cracks down on TV stations over rampant copyright violations

Accra, Ghana – April 27, 2025 —
The National Film Authority (NFA) has issued a stern warning to Ghanaian television stations over the increasing unauthorized use and broadcast of creative content, describing the trend as a serious threat to the integrity and sustainability of the country’s creative industry.

In a statement released today, the NFA expressed deep concern about the widespread copyright infringements, citing numerous complaints from both local and international content creators.

According to the Authority, several traditional and digital TV platforms in Ghana have been illegally airing films, series, and other creative works without proper authorization, violating the creators’ intellectual property rights.

The NFA reminded all broadcasters that the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690) strictly prohibits the public performance or broadcast of copyrighted material without the rights holder’s permission.

Offenders, the Authority warned, risk severe penalties, including the suspension or revocation of their broadcasting licenses.

“As the national regulator of the film and audiovisual sector, the NFA is committed to protecting content producers’ rights,” the statement emphasized.

The Authority also revealed that it is collaborating with relevant institutions to investigate and sanction television stations that continue to air unauthorized content.

The NFA outlined three key directives for all broadcasters:

Regularize all content by securing appropriate licensing agreements with copyright owners;
Respect intellectual property rights and uphold ethical broadcasting standards;
Cooperate with the NFA to ensure all films and audiovisual content are classified before airing.

Highlighting the broader implications, the NFA stressed that Ghana’s creative economy holds significant potential for national development, job creation, and international recognition. However, this potential hinges on a strong culture of respect for intellectual property rights.

The Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, Kafui Danku-Pitcher, urged all television stations and media platforms to license content legally, fairly compensate creators, and collaborate in building a thriving and lawful creative industry.

For further information, the public is encouraged to contact the NFA via its website, www.nfa.gov.gh, or email [email protected].