NIGERIAN actress and filmmaker Bimbo Ademoye has publicly blasted several Ghanaian television stations for allegedly airing her films without permission, putting a fresh spotlight on the persistent issue of copyright abuse in Africa’s creative industries.
Taking to social media on Wednesday, Ademoye tagged Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Sam Nartey George, and National Film Authority (NFA) CEO Kafui Danku, pleading for intervention.
‘I hear you’re one of the people that can put a stop to this,’ Ademoye said in a video shared on Instagram. Her complaint echoes longstanding frustrations among Nigerian filmmakers, who accuse some Ghanaian TV stations of consistently broadcasting their content illegally.
In the video, Ademoye firmly warned: ‘That TV station in Ghana, I’m talking to you; don’t show my movies. I haven’t given you permission.’
Nollywood creatives echo frustrations
Ademoye’s criticism follows similar grievances raised by Nigerian actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli just last month. Oboli also took to Instagram to denounce the unauthorised airing of her movies on Ghanaian television.
‘This is not just about me — it’s happening to so many others too,’ a Nollywood producer said. ‘Creators are being robbed without consequence.’
These recurring complaints highlight a growing crisis within West Africa’s entertainment industries, where piracy and weak enforcement of copyright laws continue to threaten livelihoods.
Ghanaian authorities pledge action
Ademoye’s public appeal did not go unnoticed. Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Sam George, swiftly responded to her on social media, promising to escalate the issue.
‘My attention has been drawn to your post thanks to the tag,’ George wrote. ‘I would be raising the issue with my colleague minister responsible for overseeing television content. I wish to assure you that our government is very respectful of intellectual property rights and will ensure the protection of same.’
Kafui Danku, CEO of the Ghana National Film Authority, also responded, assuring Ademoye that her management team was working urgently on the matter. ‘Hi ma’am, my management and I are working on putting a stop to this. You should see definite actions in a couple of weeks,’ Danku said.
Regional collaboration needed
The latest row has reignited debate about the need for stronger cross-border cooperation on intellectual property protection. Piracy remains rampant across the continent, and without robust structures, filmmakers often find it difficult to defend their work.
Elsewhere on the continent, positive moves are underway. Turkey’s public broadcaster TRT recently announced plans to help Somali filmmakers boost their skills and produce quality dramas — an initiative some analysts say could inspire broader regional efforts.
Industry watchers argue that a stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities is now essential to finally address the systemic disregard for creators’ rights.
‘This is bigger than one or two cases,’ said a copyright consultant. ‘We need a unified regional approach to protect African stories and their storytellers.’
For now, Ademoye’s bold stand continues to galvanise Nigerian creatives demanding respect — and rightful payment — for their work across Africa.
