Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has publicly accused a Ghanaian television station of illegally airing her newly released movie, The Memory of You Part 2, less than 24 hours after it premiered on YouTube.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, the actress alleged that North East TV, a television station in Ghana, broadcast the movie without seeking her permission, describing the act as unfair and harmful to filmmakers.
Visibly upset, Ojo said she was shocked to discover that her film had already been aired on television shortly after its online release.
“I found out that there’s this TV station called North East TV in Ghana already showing my movie on their TV channel. I don’t understand. I didn’t give you permission. I don’t know you,” she said.
The actress lamented that piracy continues to deny filmmakers the opportunity to recover the huge investments made in producing movies.
“You just took my movie that I posted on my YouTube channel, not even up to 24 hours, and put it on your TV for people to watch for free while you make money. How do we make our money back?” she questioned.
Calling for urgent intervention, Ojo appealed to the Ghana National Film Authority, the country’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and President John Dramani Mahama to take action against the alleged piracy.
“Please look into this because it is very unfair that we Nigerians work so hard to produce our movies and some people sit in their corner transmitting them on local TV,” she appealed.
She explained that producing a movie requires significant financial investment, including payments for actors, locations, costumes, accommodation, equipment and other production expenses, stressing that unauthorised broadcasts threaten the livelihood of filmmakers.
The video quickly sparked reactions from fellow Nollywood stars, many of whom said they had experienced similar incidents.
Actress Destiny Etiko wrote:
“That’s what they do to all our movies o. I have complained so much and am tired.”
Actress Bimbo Ademoye also reacted, alleging that similar complaints had yielded little action in the past.
Many social media users advised Iyabo Ojo to pursue legal action against the television station, with some Ghanaian commenters insisting that broadcasting copyrighted content without permission violates the country’s laws.
The incident has once again reignited concerns about piracy in the African film industry and the financial losses filmmakers continue to suffer due to copyright infringement.
Watch Video Here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbN4GyIow-w/?igsh=eHl4N2xsaXJ1dTJ2
