The National Film Authority (NFA) has expressed commitments in cracking the whip against local television stations violating the copyright laws of the country.
According to the authority, it is working with relevant institutions to investigate and take appropriate actions against television stations that air content without authorization from the right owner or right holder.
The NFA issued the threat in a statement to express concern about the increasing complaints it has received on the illegal airing of films, series, and other creative works on traditional and digital TV platforms in Ghana.
“Offenders risk having their licenses suspended or revoked,” it warned.
The increasing unauthorized use and broadcast of creative content on various television stations, it stated violated content creators right and should be discouraged.
“These infringements violate content creators’ rights and discourage investment and creativity in Ghana’s creative industries,” it said.
The NFA also reminded local media to observe the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), which stated that it was illegal to air content without the rights holder’s permission, stressing that the act was “punishable by law.”
It further warned television stations to license content legally and fairly compensate creators, while partnering the NFA in building a thriving and lawful creative industry.