Illegally Reproducing Otabil's Works Is Unlawful - Ace Ankomah

Lawyer Ace Ankomah

Former Lecturer at the Ghana Law School, Ace Ankomah has revealed that broadcasting of sermons and public pronouncement of clergy without their express permission is an infringement of the nation's copyright laws.

"We have a copyright act, passed in 2005. In section 1 it mentions works eligible for copyright. It mentions literary works are eligible for copyright. If you go to section 76, it specifically mentions sermons," he pointed out

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show Mr. Ankomah maintained that, "in section 76 under the definition of literary works it lists lectures, addresses or sermons. Everyone who gives a lecture, an address or sermon is entitled to copyright protection and so yes [Pastor] Otabil has copy right protection.''

Lawyer Ankomah further stated that "you can't take anyone's works and simply use it because you claim [he hasn't] registered it."

"Section 6 of the law says that he has a right to be protected against distortions, mutilations and other modifications of his work if it is prejudicial to his reputation or the work is discredited by the act."

Mr Ankomah pointed out, "he has the right to protest against distortions and that is what he [Pastor Otabil] is talking about that various words and sentences have been put together for a certain purpose."

"Those who are using his voice in adverts are in breach of the law. Maybe you didn't know, but it has been pointed out to you now that the adverts you are carrying with his [Pastor Otabil] voice is a breach of the law. Just stop it and let's continue with the politics and leave this out."

"Let's not take unnecessary liberties. I hear radio stations play sermons from all over the world; a lot of you play T.D Jakes. Look on his cds, he has a statement that you cannot rebroadcast these tapes without [his] permission, so unless and until you have obtained his permission either expressly or by consent you cannot play and replay and reproduce those sermons," Ace Ankomah advised.

Pastor Otabil has been publicly criticised following pronouncements he reportedly made in his sermons condemning the much-touted free Senior High School education policies of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).