Seek copyright permits before airing movies — Ghanaian TV stations told

NFA Chief Executive, Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante

Ghanaian television stations are being asked to ensure they have the proper authorization before broadcasting movies,

This is according to a statement dated June 19, from the country's film regulatory body.

The National Film Authority (NFA) says it has received complaints from global film distributors about TV channels in Ghana airing movies without permission from the copyright holders.

In the notice, NFA Chief Executive Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante warns that broadcasting copyrighted films without a license constitutes infringement and can result in civil and criminal penalties.

"Any terrestrial channel owner or media house that intends to broadcast/air a movie or film to its viewers must obtain the requisite authorisation or license from the creator/copyright owner of the movie or film," Asante said in the statement.

She advised all TV stations to review their movie lineups and verify they have the required authorizations.

Channels found airing films without consent must stop broadcasting the titles until a license is acquired, according to Asante.

The regulator pointed out that as per Ghanaian law, movies are protected works and their creators hold exclusive rights over how they are used.

Failing to obtain permission before public screenings violates these copyrights.

The directive comes after numerous complaints filed with the NFA by global film distributors over unauthorized broadcast of their titles in Ghana.

Going forward, full compliance with licensing is being enforced to respect the legal rights of copyright holders.