A growing conversation about copyright protection in Africa’s film industry has taken centre stage following a widely shared exchange between Ghanaian actor and National Film Authority (NFA) official James Gardiner and Nigerian film producer Uchenna Mbunabo.

Mbunabo raised concerns over reports that some television stations in Ghana download Nollywood films from platforms such as YouTube and broadcast them without securing licences or paying royalties to producers.

Gardiner acknowledged that copyright violations remain a challenge and made it clear that such practices are not permitted under Ghanaian law. He revealed that the NFA is working with the Ministry of Communications, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and the National Media Commission (NMC) to strengthen enforcement and hold offending broadcasters accountable.

As part of those efforts, Ghana is considering stricter broadcasting regulations that could require television stations to reapply for their licences by 2027. Broadcasters found breaching copyright laws could face penalties, including losing their licences.

The issue is not new. Several Nigerian filmmakers, including Bimbo Ademoye, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Johnson, and Ruth Kadiri, have previously spoken out about their films being aired without permission on some Ghanaian television channels.

The proposed measures have been welcomed by many within the creative industry, who see them as a step toward protecting filmmakers’ rights and ensuring creators receive fair compensation for their work.

As Africa’s film industry continues to expand across digital and traditional platforms, the debate serves as a reminder that creative content has value. Stronger copyright enforcement could help protect that value, strengthen trust between filmmakers and broadcasters, and support sustainable growth across the continent’s entertainment sector.