TV stations that air content without authorization risk having their licenses revoked – NFA

Kafui Danku

The National Film Authority (NFA) is worried about unauthorized content use. This includes broadcasts on Ghanaian television stations.

The NFA states that this practice violates copyright laws. It also threatens the integrity of Ghana’s creative ecosystem.

Recently, the NFA received many complaints from content owners. Both local and international creators reported illegal airings of their works. This includes films and series on TV platforms in Ghana.

These infringements harm content creators' rights. They also discourage investment in Ghana's creative industries.

Kafui Danku Pitcher, Executive Secretary of the NFA, emphasized the importance of copyright laws. The Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690) provides clear guidelines for using protected works. Broadcasting copyrighted content without permission is illegal and punishable by law.

As the national regulator, the NFA is committed to protecting content producers' rights. They are working with relevant institutions to investigate unauthorized broadcasts.

Television stations that violate these rules risk having their licenses suspended or revoked.

The NFA urges broadcasters to secure licensing agreements with copyright owners. They should respect intellectual property rights and uphold ethical broadcasting standards.

Broadcasters must cooperate with the NFA to classify all films before airing them. Ghana’s creative economy has great potential for development and job creation. However, its growth relies on respecting intellectual property rights.