Copyright Office Cautions Television Stations Over Piracy Violations

The Copyright Office of Ghana, through its National Anti-Piracy Committee, has issued a firm warning to all television stations across the country, cautioning them against the unauthorized use, broadcast, or distribution of copyrighted materials.

In a press release signed by William Bonsu, Principal State Attorney at the Copyright Office, the Committee expressed grave concern over the increasing trend of TV stations airing copyrighted content—such as movies, TV series, sports events, and documentaries—without obtaining the necessary permissions or licenses from the rightful owners.

The Committee stated unequivocally that these acts constitute clear violations of Ghana’s Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), as amended. According to the release, the unauthorized use of protected works not only violates national law but also breaches Ghana’s commitments under international copyright treaties. Offenders risk facing serious legal penalties, including substantial fines, imprisonment, or both.

“This practice undermines the efforts of Ghanaian and international creators, deprives them of income, and weakens the foundations of our creative industries,” the Committee noted.

In response to these violations, the National Anti-Piracy Committee has ramped up its surveillance and enforcement efforts, working closely with law enforcement agencies to monitor television content and hold violators accountable. The Committee stressed that it will not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings against any TV station found guilty of breaching copyright regulations.

To avoid sanctions, the Copyright Office has outlined specific steps that broadcasters must take to remain compliant:

Cease all unauthorized broadcasts immediately – Stations must refrain from airing any content for which they do not hold legal rights.
Secure proper licensing – Broadcasters are required to obtain explicit authorization or licensing agreements from content creators or registered licensing agencies before airing third-party materials.
Maintain detailed records – TV stations must keep accurate and accessible documentation of content acquisitions and licenses, which may be reviewed during inspections.

The Committee emphasized that ignorance of copyright law is no excuse and urged broadcasters to be proactive in verifying the legal status of the content they air. “It is the responsibility of every station to ensure that they are not infringing on intellectual property rights,” the statement read.

A Call to Support Ghana’s Creative Industry

Beyond legal compliance, the Copyright Office highlighted the broader impact of piracy on Ghana’s creative economy. It called on television stations to play their part in supporting the livelihoods of filmmakers, musicians, writers, and other content creators by respecting copyright laws.

“Protecting intellectual property is essential to building a thriving creative industry,” the Committee stated. “By complying with copyright regulations, broadcasters contribute to a more robust, sustainable, and fair ecosystem for content production and distribution.”

The Committee concluded with a strong appeal to industry stakeholders to lead by example, uphold ethical broadcasting standards, and support Ghana’s position as a hub for creative excellence in West Africa.

As surveillance efforts continue, the Copyright Office reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing copyright protections and safeguarding the rights of both local and international content creators.