Nigerian Actress Iyabo Ojo Demands Action After Ghanaian TV Station Airs Her Film Without Permission

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has escalated her fight against copyright infringement in Ghana's media landscape, publicly condemning North East TV for airing her film The Memory of You Part 2 without authorisation or compensation. The broadcast occurred just 24 hours after the movie's official release on her YouTube channel, prompting Iyabo to share a detailed video complaint across social media platforms.

In her statement, the acclaimed filmmaker revealed that the television station neither sought her permission nor established any licensing agreement before screening the final instalment of her production. She emphasised the fundamental breach of intellectual property rights, questioning the station's logic in profiting from content they had no hand in creating or funding.

The Financial Impact on Content Creators

Iyabo Ojo's core grievance centres on the significant financial consequences of unauthorised broadcasts for independent filmmakers. She outlined the substantial investment required to produce quality films, which encompasses actor fees, production crew wages, location rentals, costume design, makeup services, catering, accommodation and numerous other operational costs. When broadcasters air films without permission or payment, they effectively redirect potential viewers away from official platforms where creators earn revenue—a practice that directly undermines the financial viability of content production across the industry.

The actress stressed that filmmakers depend on controlling distribution channels to recoup production investments and generate sustainable income from their creative work. Unauthorised broadcasting represents not merely a technical violation but a tangible threat to the livelihoods of professionals within the entertainment sector.

Why It Matters for Ghana's Creative Industry

Iyabo Ojo's complaint has brought renewed focus to copyright enforcement challenges within Ghana's media ecosystem. Her appeal to Ghana's National Film Authority, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations and the President signals the severity of the issue and reflects growing frustration among content creators—both foreign and domestic—over inadequate legal protections.

This incident highlights systemic gaps in Ghana's capacity to monitor, prosecute and deter copyright infringement across broadcast media. As Ghana positions itself as a growing entertainment hub within West Africa, strengthening intellectual property protections becomes essential for attracting both local and international creative talent. Without robust enforcement mechanisms, filmmakers and producers may hesitate to invest in Ghanaian productions or distribute their work through Ghanaian channels, potentially stifling the industry's growth.

The dispute also raises broader questions about media literacy and institutional compliance among broadcast stations. Local television outlets must understand their legal obligations regarding content licensing and the reputational damage associated with airing unlicensed material.

Broader Implications for Content Distribution

Iyabo Ojo's public stance reflects a wider tension between traditional broadcast television and digital distribution platforms. As filmmakers increasingly rely on YouTube and streaming services to monetise their work, terrestrial broadcasters risk alienation by ignoring licensing requirements and formal distribution agreements. Her warning to other broadcasters suggests she intends to pursue this matter seriously, potentially setting a precedent for how content creators challenge infringement in Ghana.

Industry observers will monitor whether Ghana's regulatory authorities respond to her appeals with meaningful investigation and enforcement action, or whether such complaints continue to face procedural delays and inaction.