Ghanaian actress and filmmaker, Juliet Ibrahim, has called on authorities to take swift action against local television stations allegedly airing films without proper authorization.
Her comments come in the wake of the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) directive ordering the suspension of operations for 62 radio stations, including Asaase Radio and Happy FM, over regulatory breaches.
Reacting to the news via Instagram, Juliet wrote: “TV stations should please be next !!!”. Her brief but pointed remark appears to be a direct jab at television networks she accuses of contributing to rampant film piracy in Ghana.
Juliet’s frustration echoes the concerns recently raised by Nollywood actress Bimbo Ademoye, who went viral after slamming Ghanaian TV stations for broadcasting her movies without permission.
Juliet, who has also had her works aired illegally, expressed disappointment in what she described as the “blatant disregard for intellectual property rights.”
“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.”
Juliet Ibrahim
The renowned thespian called on institutions such as the NCA, Ghana Copyright Office, National Film Authority, Ghana Police Service, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to intervene and enforce the law.
She noted that her own content, uploaded on Juliet Ibrahim Studios’ YouTube channel, had been aired by networks like Pemsan TV without her consent, despite legal warnings and cease-and-desist letters. “As an independent filmmaker, actress, director, and producer, I find it extremely disheartening to witness the blatant disregard for intellectual property rights,” she stated.
Her remarks have added momentum to an ongoing conversation about media piracy, which continues to affect both Ghanaian and Nigerian creatives.
Juliet stood in solidarity with colleagues like Bimbo Ademoye and Omoni Oboli, who have also called out TV stations and YouTube channels for illegally profiting off their hard work.
While the NCA’s crackdown has so far targeted only radio stations for license-related breaches, Juliet Ibrahim’s call suggests that more scrutiny may be needed within the television broadcasting space, especially where piracy is concerned.
Gabby Confirms Asaase Radio Shut Down by NCA
Prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart and Board Chairman of Asaase Broadcasting Company Ltd., Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, confirmed that Accra-based Asaase Radio has been shut down following directives by the National Communications Authority (NCA).
In a post shared on Facebook, Mr Otchere-Darko disclosed that the station, which was due to celebrate its fifth anniversary on Saturday, June 14, has been shut down due to a licensing issue.
“Yes, it’s true. Asaase Radio, which celebrates its 5th anniversary Saturday, has been shut down. GM informs me it’s because the station was delayed in renewing its licence last year. It was to be renewed by October, but only done in December 2024.”
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko
Asaase Radio is one of 62 stations cited in the NCA’s sweeping crackdown on FM broadcasters operating without valid authorisation or in breach of regulatory requirements.
The Authority’s enforcement is part of a phased response following a recent audit aimed at ensuring compliance within the broadcasting sector.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) in a statement released on June 12, directed scores of FM broadcasting stations across the country to immediately suspend operations over what it describes as persistent and serious breaches of regulatory requirements.
The enforcement follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, mandating the NCA to act on findings from a recent audit intended to ensure full compliance in Ghana’s broadcasting sector.
The audit identified several categories of violations, and Asaase Radio falls within the category of stations operating with expired licences.
The NCA’s statement emphasised that stations affected may only resume broadcasting once they have rectified all regulatory infractions and received formal clearance.
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