Ghanaian authorities have acknowledged allegations made by Nigerian actress Bimbo Ademoye about the unauthorized airing of her films on Ghanaian television stations. While the Ghanaian National Film Authority (NFA) and other government bodies have not released specific statements on the matter, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has reiterated Ghana’s commitment to upholding intellectual property rights, noting that the country is a signatory to international copyright agreements.
Ademoye’s complaint is part of a broader issue faced by Nigerian filmmakers, with other Nollywood stars such as Omoni Oboli and Ruth Kadiri also reporting similar instances of piracy in Ghana. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in protecting creators’ rights, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement of intellectual property laws and more collaboration between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities.
In response, Nigerian authorities, including the Nigerian Copyright Commission and Nigerian Police Force, have been actively tackling piracy. For example, in January 2024, several individuals were arrested for pirating Toyin Abraham’s new movie, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing piracy domestically.
While the Ghanaian government has not yet addressed Ademoye’s specific allegations, the discussions between Nigerian creatives and Ghanaian authorities continue, pointing to a mutual interest in protecting intellectual property and ensuring a fair environment for the entertainment industry.
