Has joined an increasing chorus of critics within the movie sector who are speaking out against the unauthorized broadcast of films by certain TV channels in Ghana.
was reignited in March when a Nigerian actress was found screening her films without obtaining the appropriate licenses.
More recently, following a station airing her work without permission and reportedly reproducing both her film’s title and artwork.
Adding her voice to the protest, Ibrahim took to Instagram with a detailed post outlining her personal experience with copyright infringement.
She revealed that despite repeated attempts to address the violations, her films continue to be distributed without her authorisation.
“As an independent filmmaker, actress, director, and producer, I am deeply dismayed to see the clear disrespect for intellectual property rights demonstrated by numerous television stations operating in Ghana,” she stated.
The actress stated that certain movies she was involved in, which were initially and legitimately posted on her official YouTube channel called Juliet Ibrahim Studios, have been illegally downloaded and retransmitted by unauthorized networks such as Pemsan TV.
“Over the past few months, I’ve observed that some of my films originally and legally uploaded to my official YouTube channel, Juliet Ibrahim Studios, have been pirated, rebroadcast, and exploited by unauthorised Ghanaian television stations, including Pemsan TV, without my permission or that of my team.”
She mentioned that both her management and legal advisors have taken official steps to address the issue, issuing cease and desist orders and attempting direct communication with the problematic stations. Nonetheless, these efforts were disregarded.
“In spite of multiple attempts by both my management team and legal advisors—who have issued cease and desist notices, reached out to these networks personally, and provided a chance for a formal settlement—Pemsan TV along with others persistently broadcast my content illegally, disregarding our communications and declining to take appropriate action.”
Ibrahim expressed solidarity with her asserting that the issue goes beyond national borders.
“This isn’t just happening to me. I stand in full support of my Nigerian colleagues, Omoni Oboli and Bimbo Ademoye, who are also speaking up against the piracy of their creative works. This is not just 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 mentioned that both her management and legal representatives had taken official steps to address the issue, issuing cease and desist letters and attempting direct communication with the problematic stations. Nonetheless, these efforts were disregarded.
Even though my management team and legal advisors have made multiple attempts—by sending cease and desist letters, reaching out to these networks personally, and providing a chance for a formal settlement—the unlawful broadcasting of my content has persisted. Both Pemsan TV and other platforms continue to ignore our requests and fail to take appropriate action.
Ibrahim showed his support for her by stating that the matter extends past national boundaries.
This situation doesn’t affect only me. I fully back my Nigerian counterparts, Omoni Oboli and Bimbo Ademoye, who are voicing concerns about the theft of their creations. This problem extends beyond Nigeria—it’s an African concern—and being from Ghana, I feel embarrassed that our domestic media outlets are at the heart of these immoral and unlawful practices.
Describing the act as “shameful,” she emphasized the wider harm that piracy inflicts on Africa’s film industry and the individuals who drive it forward.
Piracy constitutes an illegal act. Taking advantage of another person’s diligently created intellectual property equates to stealing. This action erodes decades of financial commitment, innovation, and the economic stability of all those engaged in the creation process, including performers, editors, and cinematographers.
Concluding her message, Juliet issued an impassioned appeal to the pertinent officials in Ghana, calling for prompt action and more rigorous implementation of measures.
“We urge the appropriate bodies, such as the National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana Copyright Agency, Ghana Police Force, National Film Board, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, and Ghana Media Council,” she stated additionally.
Kindly intervene without delay. Strong measures, regulations, and enforcement are essential to safeguard content producers and revive the prestige of our film sector. Such conduct disgraces not just those involved but also the entire country of Ghana, which ought to stand as an exemplar of quality in arts and culture. The creative economy of Africa merits recognition.
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