The National Film Authority (NFA) has mandated all television channels in Ghana to obtain proper licenses from copyright holders before airing any films.

The NFA, in a press statement released on June 19, 2024, said this enforcement follows a series of complaints from some international film distributors regarding unauthorised broadcasting of their content by certain Ghanaian broadcasters.

According to the body, the grievances, including the unauthorised airing of films by various terrestrial channels and media houses, the broadcasting of films without the consent of the original creators or copyright owners, and the infringement of the exclusive rights held by copyright owners, are a violation of the exclusive rights of the owners and constitute copyright infringement, which attracts both civil and criminal liabilities.

This initiative aligns with the NFA's legal mandate to uphold copyright laws within the Ghanaian film sector, as outlined in the Development and Classification of Film Act 2016 (Act 935).

Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, CEO of the NFA, urged all broadcasters to review their content and secure the necessary permissions.

“If any channel or media house is found to be broadcasting a movie or film without the requisite authorisation, they must immediately cease and desist from broadcasting until the necessary authorization is obtained,” the statement read.

She stated that any broadcaster found in violation must halt the transmission of unauthorised films immediately until they acquire the appropriate authorizations.

The NFA said this action is designed to safeguard the intellectual property rights of content creators and to ensure that the film industry in Ghana thrives within a lawful and structured environment.

It is therefore advised all terrestrial channels or media houses conduct assessments of all movies or films currently being broadcasted or aired on their respective channels and verifications carried out to ensure that requisite authorisations to broadcast particular movies or films have been obtained from the creators/copyright owners concerned," the statement added.

ID/NOQ

See the full statement below:



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