National Film Authority Requires Approval for TV Channels Airing Films
The National Film Authority (NFA) of Ghana has issued a directive mandating all television channels in the country to obtain permission from copyright owners before broadcasting any films.
This directive follows numerous complaints received by the NFA from global film distributors regarding unauthorized airing of movies by some terrestrial channels and media houses in Ghana.
According to the NFA, broadcasting films without proper authorization infringes on the exclusive rights of copyright owners, constituting both civil and criminal violations under copyright law. The authority highlighted several instances where terrestrial channels and media houses in Ghana have aired movies without obtaining consent from the creators or copyright holders, thereby violating their exclusive rights.
This directive is in line with the NFA’s statutory mandate to ensure compliance with copyright laws within the Ghanaian film industry, as stipulated in section 3(e)(iv) of the Development and Classification of Film Act 2016 (Act 935).
Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority, emphasized in a statement the importance of terrestrial channels and media houses conducting a thorough assessment of the movies currently broadcast on their platforms. They must ensure that proper authorizations have been obtained from copyright owners for each film.
The statement further cautioned that any channel or media house found broadcasting films without the necessary authorization must cease airing these films immediately until proper permissions are secured. This measure aims to safeguard the intellectual property rights of copyright owners and uphold legal standards within the Ghanaian film industry.
The NFA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing regulations for the production, regulation, and growth of Ghana’s film industry. By promoting adherence to legal frameworks, the authority seeks to foster a sustainable and dynamic film ecosystem in Ghana while protecting the interests of all stakeholders involved in the film production and distribution process.
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