- Bimbo Ademoye raised concerns over unauthorised airings of her films in Ghana
- Ghanaian officials, including Sam George and Kafui Danku, committed to addressing piracy
- The incident sparks renewed calls for stronger copyright enforcement, igniting more reactions from netizens
Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digital Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and the Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, Kafui Danku, have responded to allegations by Nigerian actress and filmmaker Bimbo Ademoye regarding the unauthorised airing of her movies by certain television networks in Ghana.
In a statement on Instagram, Sam George assured,
“My attention has been drawn to your post thanks to the tag. I would be raising the issue with my colleague Minister responsible for overseeing television content.
“I, however, wish to assure you that our government is very respectful of intellectual property rights and would ensure the protection of same.”
He also noted the cultural ties between Ghana and Nigeria, emphasising the importance of cooperation for greater success.
Bimbo Ademoye expressed her gratitude for the response, stating,
“Thank you for the honour with your response, sir. I sincerely appreciate it. I look forward to this being done.”
Kafui Danku added her commitment to addressing the issue, posting,
“Hi ma’am, my management and I are working on putting a stop to this. You should see definite actions in a couple of weeks.”
This comes after Bimbo Ademoye had previously criticised several Ghanaian TV stations for allegedly airing her films without proper authorisation.
This incident has reignited discussions on the need for stronger copyright enforcement throughout the West African region.
The actress once again thanked the Ghanaian officials for their prompt responses and called for ongoing Ghana-Nigeria collaboration to protect the rights of content creators.
This has garnered an applaud for the Ghanaian officials, with netizens hailing them for the immediate response.
Netizens react to Sam George, Kafui Danku's address
@wallpaperplace posted: “See the response from a working country, ours will tell you they are not aware while another will be seriously defending the entire issue.”
@olaoluwarozay07 posted: “I hope that when love finds you again, you don't run away from it anymore. I hope it comes to you as a pure love that silences all your doubts and stops you from questioning your worth, A love that wraps itself around you, gently reminding you that you are worthy of care, kindness, and being cherished in all the ways you've always dreamed of. A love that softly whispers, "you are enough," and shows you that you don't need to fight or beg for what should come freely. You deserve to receive the love you've_always longed for, you have always been worthy of love.”
@olanrewaju_s.d posted: “Ghanaians are very very very cool people.”
@a_dams posted: “A country that works.”
@cyntychrizz posted: “See the response, very lovely, you just know they are sensible people.”
@kingclue posted; “I like the taking responsibility attitude - very responsible.”
@jacksparrow263 posted: “Man like Sam George G. MP rep Ningo-PramPram.”
@abby_holar wrote: “This is the kind of accountability we need not just titles, but responsibility.”
@ritaberry_desserts wrote: “Intellectual property is a thing no one should joke with. Its not fair to eat from other people's sweat!”
@itz_nicepablo wrote: “See response na, very learned minister, i admire Ghana for this. If na my countrt now na another thing u go hear.”
@meerahideas_shoes wrote: “Weeks??? When them don watch am finish abi?”
@melaninking wrote: ‘With this response, Ghanaian government Dey more mature and responsible pass our own guys.”
@queenvee_hive wrote: “See how Ghana responds to issues swiftly.. Nigerian people go wait eke market days.”
@amakasregister wrote: “That's a very diplomatic response, unlike that "Aunt Debbie", who defends intellectual property theft.”
@dear_maggy wrote: “Exactly, not Omoni tagging their president, like she and the president name mate. There are channels to go through solving this problem.”
Nollywood producers decry piracy as festive season releases suffer
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the rise of digital platforms and social media made it easier for pirates to distribute copyrighted content, with many movies being released this season suffering from piracy. Toyin Abraham, Jade Osiberu and other Nollywood producers have spoken out against movie piracy, which has cost them a fortune. Netizens react to the movie producers' warning and outcry.