Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has raised concerns over alleged copyright infringement after a Ghanaian television station reportedly aired her recently released movie without obtaining permission or securing a licence.The actress said the alleged broadcast happened less than a day after the release of the final episode of her film, The Memory of You, reigniting concerns about the impact of piracy on filmmakers and the entertainment industry.
Iyabo Ojo Accuses Ghana TV Station of Copyright Infringement
Iyabo Ojo released the final parts of The Memory of You on Friday at 5 p.m. However, she later claimed that the movie had been broadcast on Ghanaian television without her authorisation.The actress specifically called out NETV, alleging that the station aired the movie without contacting her, obtaining a licence or making any payment for the rights to broadcast the production.Reacting to the development in an Instagram post on Saturday, Ojo urged relevant Ghanaian authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
Actress Appeals to Ghanaian Authorities
The actress appealed to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the National Film Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to intervene.She argued that filmmakers invest significant time, money and creative effort into their productions and should be protected from unauthorised use of their work.Ojo also referenced Ghana’s Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), while calling for the enforcement of existing laws against unauthorised broadcasting of copyrighted content.According to the actress, piracy threatens the film industry by undermining investment, affecting jobs and discouraging creativity.She further urged authorities to act on previous warnings concerning television stations that broadcast Nigerian films without proper authorisation.
Ghana Film Authority Previously Warned TV Stations
The controversy comes about a week after Ghana’s National Film Authority reportedly announced plans to take action against television stations that broadcast Nigerian movies without the necessary permission.The authority had warned that stations found airing unauthorised content could face sanctions, including possible suspension or revocation of their licences.Iyabo Ojo’s complaint has therefore renewed attention on the ongoing debate over copyright protection and the need for stronger enforcement within Africa’s entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Iyabo Ojo’s complaint has brought renewed focus to the challenges filmmakers face in protecting their intellectual property. As the actress seeks intervention from Ghanaian authorities, the dispute could further intensify discussions about copyright enforcement and the unauthorised broadcasting of Nigerian films across borders.
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