The piracy debate in Ghana’s entertainment industry has flared up once again, following fresh accusations from Nigerian actor and producer Nosa Rex. The filmmaker claims that several Ghanaian television stations, including Unity TV, illegally broadcast his latest movie, Prince of Peace, just hours after its official release — without his consent.
In a video shared online and sighted by Ghana Weekend, the visibly frustrated Rex condemned the stations’ actions as “stupid” and warned that such practices were undermining the growth and credibility of the Ghanaian entertainment industry.
“I always say this, the Ghanaian entertainment industry will continue to be behind because of this uncalled-for behaviour,” Rex lamented, adding that airing his work for free without authorization deprived him of both creative control and potential earnings. He further criticised Ghanaian authorities for failing to clamp down on piracy, arguing that the lack of meaningful enforcement emboldens offenders.
The Nigerian star, known for his roles in numerous Nollywood blockbusters, also expressed disappointment in some Ghanaian colleagues for their silence when Nigerian filmmakers speak out against piracy. “When this happens to us, we expect solidarity from our Ghanaian brothers and sisters in the industry. But too often, we are met with silence,” he remarked.
Rex’s outburst reflects a broader and long-standing frustration shared by many in West Africa’s film sector. Nigerian stars including Mercy Johnson, Ruth Kadiri, and Omoni Oboli have in the past voiced similar grievances about the unauthorized airing of their work in Ghana. On the Ghanaian side, high-profile figures such as Juliet Ibrahim and Xandy Kamel have also publicly decried the rampant piracy affecting local productions.
Piracy not only deprives filmmakers of revenue but also affects the entire production chain — from actors and crew members to distributors and marketers. For many creators, the unauthorized airing of a new release so soon after its debut represents the worst-case scenario, eroding its commercial value almost instantly.
Industry observers say the problem persists due to weak enforcement of Ghana’s copyright laws, outdated monitoring systems, and a lack of public education on the importance of respecting intellectual property. While Ghana does have legal frameworks in place, enforcement remains sporadic and penalties for offenders often minimal.
The latest controversy has reignited calls for urgent action. Entertainment stakeholders are urging the government, regulatory bodies, and broadcasters to adopt stronger measures, including real-time monitoring of television content, heavier fines for offenders, and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of piracy.
As Ghana seeks to grow its creative economy and attract more international collaborations, protecting the intellectual property of filmmakers — both local and foreign — will be essential. Without a cultural and legal commitment to combating piracy, critics warn that the country risks stifling its entertainment sector’s growth and reputation on the global stage.
