Mercy Johnson blasts Ghanaian TV for airing her movie without permission

Nollywood actress and producer Mercy Johnson-Okojie has called out a Ghanaian television station, Blazing TV, for allegedly broadcasting her film “The Firstborn” without obtaining her permission.

In a strongly worded Instagram post, Mercy Johnson expressed her disbelief and frustration over what she described as a blatant disregard for her intellectual property rights.

“Ghana, Blazing TV. How is this even ok?
Blazing TV in Ghana is showing my movie, The Firstborn, on their TV without my consent.
How does this even make sense? How?
I am speechless at the audacity of it all,” she wrote.

Her outcry adds to the mounting concern within the Nollywood community over copyright infringement, particularly by some Ghanaian broadcasters. Several Nigerian filmmakers have raised similar complaints in recent months.

Actress and director Omoni Oboli previously condemned the unauthorized airing of her films in Ghana and even threatened to escalate the matter to the country’s presidency. Actress Bolaji Ogunmola also voiced her frustration, warning content pirates to desist or face legal consequences.

The controversy prompted a response from Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, earlier this year. In April, he addressed concerns from actress Bimbo Ademoye, promising action and reaffirming the Ghanaian government’s respect for intellectual property.

“Our government is very respectful of intellectual property rights and would ensure the protection of same,” George assured.