Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has given a 30-day ultimatum to the National Media Commission (NMC) to take action on piracy and copyright concerns.

According to him, the law does not permit the Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation ministry to tackle such concerns, and the National Media Commission (responsible for piracy concerns) had also said they are incapable of taking necessary action despite concerns raised.

During a press briefing today to update the public on the progress of his ministry and the communications sector, Mr Sam George said he has put a system in place to help the National Media Commission take action against those involved in piracy and copyright violations.

"Let me just state that I am writing officially to the National Media Commission and that letter is to give the National Media Commission a 30-day mandate to take advantage of a resource that the National Communications Authority (which is under my ministry) has put at their disposal, the Broadcast Monitoring Centre."

"The National Media Commission has always complained that they don't have capacity. We have built capacity as the National Communications Authority, but because by law we don't deal with content, we have made that available to the National Media Commission. We record and store for at least 90 days every single broadcast in this country, both radio and TV. It comes at a huge expense to us at the NCA," he told the media.

Honourable Sam George further stated that his outfit, in collaboration with the Minister of Government Communication Felix Kwakye Fosu, is taking steps to address piracy concerns in the country.

He explains that while his ministry is responsible for licensing, the Ministry of Government Communications works closely with the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Film Authority (NFA) over piracy concerns.

However, he has joined Mr Kwakye Ofusu to engage the appropriate authorities in handling arising concerns of piracy and copyright.

"But we’ve taken critical steps, and Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu met with the National Film Authority and the NMC. We had a joint stakeholder meeting where we discussed this issue, and we are beginning to come up with the framework that is going to guide the broadcast of material and protection of intellectual property rights," Sam George told the media.

Ghanaian filmmaker and actress Xandy Kamel has accused Fast TV of airing her newly released movie "Unseen Beauty" without permission.

In a video shared on her Instagram page, the actress in tears expressed anger and deep frustration at the Ghanaian TV station.

According to her, Fast TV stole the movie within two days after she uploaded it on YouTube.

“Why are some Ghanaians like this? You’ve managed to raise money to open a TV station, yet you’re saying you don’t have funds to buy content for it? I released a movie just two days ago and haven’t even made $10 from it, but Fast TV is pirating my film without my permission."

“I’m struggling to find anyone to help promote it. I’ve shared it with some bloggers to assist in promoting the movie, but none have taken the opportunity to help,” she stated in the video while shedding tears.

Also, Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson has called out Ghanaian TV station Blazing TV, for airing her movie titled "The Firstborn" without authorization.

She took to Instagram on July 19, 2025, to express her displeasure with screenshots proving her claim.

“How is this even okay? Blazing TV in Ghana is airing my movie The Firstborn, without my consent. How does this even make sense? How? I am speechless at the audacity of it all,” she wrote beneath her Instagram post.

Mercy Johnson adds to several Nigerian actresses who have been calling out Ghanaian media houses and television stations for airing their movies without authorization.

Several Nigerian filmmakers, including Ruth Kadiri, Bimbo Ademoye, and Omoni Oboli, have recently raised concerns about Ghanaian television stations airing their films without permission, drawing considerable attention online.

In a show of solidarity, some Ghanaian filmmakers have spoken out against the illegal broadcast of copyrighted material, urging stronger enforcement of intellectual property laws.

Their support has amplified the call for reform and accountability within Ghana’s media industry.

This article focuses on three Ghanaian filmmakers who have openly condemned the piracy of Nigerian films by local TV stations.

Juliet Ibrahim

Actress, author, and producer Juliet Ibrahim condemned the actions of the Ghanaian media houses involved in pirating Nigerian movies.

In a post shared on her Instagram page, she expressed both outrage and deep disappointment.

“This is not a Nigerian issue; it is an African issue, and as a Ghanaian, I am ashamed that our local media houses are playing a central role in such unethical and illegal activities,” she wrote.

Juliet Ibrahim also took the opportunity to remind the public that piracy doesn’t just affect the filmmaker but the entire ecosystem of professionals behind the scenes.

“Piracy is a crime. Exploiting someone’s hard-earned intellectual property is theft. It undermines years of investment, creativity, and the livelihoods of everyone involved in production,” she added.

She urged authorities to act swiftly and put in place regulatory measures that can protect the African film industry from further exploitation.

“Please step in immediately. We need robust action, regulation, and enforcement to protect content creators and restore the dignity of our film industry.”

Martha Ankomah

Martha Ankomah also added her voice to the growing chorus of creatives who have spoken about the piracy act.

Responding to Omoni Oboli’s Instagram post, Martha Ankomah said:

“I totally agree with you. You really have to take them on this time. They do that all the time, and it’s so frustrating.”

Salma Mumin

Actress and entrepreneur Salma Mumin also spoke out against the situation.

She emphasised that filmmakers have the right to own and protect their work.

“I’m a Ghanaian actress but this is a big No! This is your intellectual property and you have every right to take immediate action. They know this is wrong!!!”

Meanwhile, the National Film Authority had earlier issued a letter to television stations warning them that if they air movies without proper authorization, their licenses will be revoked.

However, upon researching this matter, I discovered that the NFA is not even the institution responsible for revoking licenses,” she said.

But MC Yeboah criticizes the authorities for handling the movie piracy challenge with caution letters, describing it as a method that is no longer effective.

Mc Yeboah asserts that releasing a press statement against piracy offenders does not amount to punitive action that can deter culprits.

“Producers invest millions of cedis in making their movies, only for others to take these movies, air them on their platforms without permission, and profit from them.

Meanwhile, the institutions responsible for addressing piracy just issue letters to avoid appearing inactive,” she said.